A European capital with both a leading airport and seaport only 15 minutes from each other is a truly unique phenomenon! Certain companies with a specific flow of goods consider this a determining factor for concentrating their logistic activities in this region or even establishing themselves in the Amsterdam area. Schiphol Cargo and Port of Amsterdam work together in Amsterdam AirportSeaport.

The AirportSeaport combination enables (foreign) investors to optimise their commercial activities in a variety of areas, including office segments (EHQ, Call Centre, etc.), distribution centres (chain management and maximisation) and the improvement of production processes. The concept is far from static. It develops along with the market, taking into account the companies and their requirements and demands.

Two aspects of the AirportSeaport concept are of vital importance: logistics and space. These aspects are further enhanced by their proximity to a metropolis. 

Logistics means working together

The AirportSeaport concept emphasises the value of the combined strengths and services offered collectively by Schiphol Airport and the Amsterdam seaports. Which markets does Schiphol Cargo target and how does goods traffic develop in air transport? Where do the Port of Amsterdam priorities lie and what opportunities exist for the ports in the North Sea Canal area? And if both logistic groups join forces, where are the advantages and opportunities to be found? By making all this transparent, the common denominators become clear. That way, (logistic) strengths can be united, and companies and cargo loads can be attracted in a joint effort.

More than Logistics

Logistics is not the only important factor in a company’s decision-making process. Equally important is the city of Amsterdam, with its extensive business services, its multicultural community, its living climate and strong ICT structure – one of the best in Europe. In addition, there is another important element: space. There is ample space in the region, extending from IJmuiden to Almere, for building offices and expanding existing sites for logistic, industrial and assembly activities. This is of dual importance to both the ports of Amsterdam and the airport.

First of all, they benefit directly from the growth of these activities. And secondly, they assume an influential and steering role in these developments due to the joint development of real estate and the opportunity to present themselves to the international community as one platform.

Space: Atlaspark

Atlaspark, which is part of the Amsterdam port, is an area occupying 110 hectares intended for so-called dry logistic service providers, contract manufacturers and assembly companies. Due to increasing market demand for a location near a seaport and airport, part of the Atlaspark grounds have been specifically allocated for this purpose.

Atlaspark will establish a park management in order to raise its quality and image and maintain them at a high level. The park management’s spearheads are collective security, safety and collective transport for employees. In addition, the park management also focuses on maintenance and management of the high-quality public space and infrastructure.

AirportSeaport: a proven success

Hitachi Construction Machinery chose the Amsterdam port because they found, in addition to the space, the logistic quality they required. Easy access to Schiphol Airport is important because clients and agents are flown in for training and demonstrations on a weekly basis.

Completely different cases in point are the Stedelijk Museum, whose art warehouse is located at the port, and the logistics company Gerlach, whose port office handles all their art shipments via Schiphol.  

Yet another area is the cruise ship industry that is rapidly developing in Amsterdam. Cruise passengers are flown into Amsterdam for their cruise departure, or they arrive by cruise ship in order to fly back home from Schiphol.

More opportunities

There are more examples of how the seaport and airport complement each other. In the electronics sector, the larger goods (PC cases, for example) are transported by ship. Time-critical (high-quality) goods, such as chips, are  transported by air. Express shipments of spare parts are also transported by air. For bulk cargo, samples are flown in for inspection. If the goods are bought, following approval, then the bulk follows by ship. This is also often the case for chemicals.

In a number of cases, shipping can serve as a complement to air transport within Europe. A good example is Short Sea shipping from England, Ireland and Scandinavia to the Netherlands. For instance, fish is shipped via Short Sea from Norway to the Netherlands and subsequently flown from Schiphol to Asia.  

More information?

Port of Amsterdam, Commercial Sector
Peter Overbeek – Bloem
Telephone 020 5234561, E-mail marketing@portofamsterdam.nl 

AirportSeaport Newsletter

The AirportSeaport e-newsletter appears quarterly and is available in Dutch and English. Enterprises that make use of this AirportSeaport combination will be highlighted first in the upcoming newsletters.

Are you interested in receiving this newsletter?

Please send an e-mail with your company particulars to marketing@portofamsterdam.nl.  Don’t forget to mention your own e-mail address!