Europe’s largest seaport prepares for possible war with Russia
(MENAFN) The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Europe’s busiest seaport, is making preparations for a potential conflict between NATO and Russia, according to a report by the Financial Times. These plans include setting aside docking space for ships carrying military equipment and organizing routine military exercises.
Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, Western European leaders have increasingly warned of potential Russian aggression toward NATO member states—allegations that Moscow has consistently rejected as unfounded.
The FT reports that Rotterdam, which processes over 460 million tons of cargo annually, would have a dedicated quay for NATO vessels in the event of hostilities with Russia—something not even done during the Cold War. The port is also coordinating with the nearby port of Antwerp in Belgium to handle large volumes of military cargo from countries like the US, UK, and Canada if needed.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, explained that not all terminals are suitable for military freight. To manage the logistics, Rotterdam and Antwerp are cooperating more closely than ever, prioritizing efficiency over competition.
According to Siemons, military ships would dock at the specialized quay multiple times a year, remaining there for several weeks each time. The port will also serve as a venue for regular amphibious drills to enhance readiness for potential conflict.
This development is part of a wider military buildup across Europe. In a recent New York Times interview, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended the alliance’s decision to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling it a necessary measure to avoid “having to learn Russian.”
Moscow, however, has criticized these moves, with officials urging the West to support diplomatic efforts instead of preparing for war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated that some Western leaders are portraying Russia as a threat to divert public attention from domestic social and economic issues.
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