City Profile

Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands with an urban population of about 1.2 million, is notable for its innovative architecture and strategic port, one of the busiest in the world. This port city has a GDP per capita of around US$57,000 and is pivotal in global maritime trade. Rotterdam is distinguished by its modern skyline and pioneering sustainable urban solutions, such as floating farms and green roofs.

Rotterdam performs highly in Urban Management, particularly for its innovative port infrastructure and sustainable urban practices.

The city has one of the largest and most technologically advanced ports in the world, and unique urban design which includes areas like the innovative "water squares" that manage rainfall and reduce flooding.

However, the city may need to invest in economic diversification beyond its port-related industries to attract broader international investments. The city is looking towards the circular economy to create new jobs with an aim to reduce material consumption by 50% by 2030.

Case study

Rotterdam has one of the most technologically advanced ports in the world, key to the city's economy. Arup's Future of Urban Logistics report sets out some of the key changes in the urban freight transport and logistics sector against a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and a worsening climate crisis. It aims to help freight operators and logistics companies, urban planners, city decision makers and the wider supply chain to understand the trends that are influencing urban logistics and the problems they are causing.
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