NL plus three-character location code
A Netherlands UN/LOCODE begins with NL. Examples in the Ecer Freight sample include NLROT for Rotterdam, NLAMS for Amsterdam and NLMOE for Moerdijk.
Seaports in Netherlands: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Netherlands has 184 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database and is a major North Sea gateway for European container, bulk, energy and short-sea trade.
Compare Netherlands port codes, cargo gateways, regional logistics clusters and current shipping options.
Netherlands Port Overview
The Netherlands combines a globally significant North Sea gateway with an extensive network of coastal, estuarine, inland and logistics terminals. Rotterdam is the principal container and deep-sea cargo hub, while Amsterdam, Moerdijk, Vlissingen and other locations serve specialized cargo and regional distribution.
184
Netherlands ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Oct 2026
428.4m
Rotterdam port cargo throughput in 2025, tonnes; approximately +2.8% YoY
Port of Rotterdam Authority 2025
14.2m
Rotterdam container throughput in 2025, TEU; approximately +2.8% YoY
Port of Rotterdam Authority 2025
66.3m
Amsterdam port cargo throughput in 2025, tonnes; annual change subject to final bulletin confirmation
Port of Amsterdam 2025
How many seaports does Netherlands have?
Netherlands has 184 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its October 2026 database snapshot. This is an indexed coverage figure, not a national legal register or a measure of container-port ranking.
What is the largest or busiest port in Netherlands?
Rotterdam is the largest and busiest maritime gateway in Netherlands by overall cargo and container activity. The database records Rotterdam under NLROT and also includes the related entry NLRTM.
Which areas handle most Netherlands sea freight?
The main freight concentration is the Rotterdam–Moerdijk–Amsterdam corridor, supported by Zeeland gateways such as Vlissingen and Terneuzen. Key indexed codes include NLROT, NLMOE, NLAMS and NLFIU.
Top Netherlands Ports by Cargo and Container Activity
The table separates publicly reported container-port performance from Ecer Freight’s indexed port coverage. Rotterdam is the clear deep-sea container leader; several other listed locations are important cargo, inland or specialist terminals rather than comparable container hubs.
Selected Netherlands gateways and indexed cargo locations; 2025 figures where publicly reported.
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Rotterdam | NLROT | 14.2 | +2.8% | Rhine–Meuse delta |
| — | Amsterdam | NLAMS | — | — | North Holland |
| — | Moerdijk | NLMOE | — | — | West Brabant |
| — | Fiushing | NLFIU | — | — | Zeeland |
| — | Terneuzen | NLTNZ | — | — | Zeeland |
| — | Groningen | NLGRO | — | — | Northern Netherlands |
| — | Ijmuiden | NLIJM | — | — | North Holland |
| — | Delfzijl | NLDZL | — | — | Northern Netherlands |
Netherlands Port Regions and Cargo Roles
Netherlands port activity is organized around the North Sea coast, the Rhine–Meuse delta, Zeeland and inland waterway corridors. City and province labels below follow the Ecer Freight port sample; a blank province field is shown as an em dash.
Rhine–Meuse Delta and Rotterdam Cluster
This is the country’s dominant deep-sea, petrochemical, container and European inland distribution cluster.
Selected ports in the Rotterdam and lower Rhine–Meuse area.
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | NLROT | Rotterdam / — | Deep-sea containers, liquid bulk, dry bulk and Ro-Ro |
| Rotterdam | NLRTM | Rotterdam / — | Port and terminal reference for Rotterdam |
| Rozenburg | NLROZ | Rozenburg / — | Industrial and petrochemical logistics |
| Europoort | NLEUR | Europoort / — | Energy, bulk and industrial cargo |
| Vlaardingen | NLVLA | Vlaardingen / — | Short-sea, breakbulk and regional cargo |
| Dordrecht | NLDOR | Dordrecht / — | Inland waterway and industrial cargo |
| Alblasserdam | NLABL | Alblasserdam / — | Barge-linked and project cargo |
North Holland and Amsterdam Area
The Amsterdam area supports energy, bulk, cruise, short-sea and regional distribution flows, with access to the North Sea Canal.
Selected North Holland gateways.
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | NLAMS | Amsterdam / — | Dry bulk, energy, general cargo and cruise |
| Ijmuiden | NLIJM | Ijmuiden / — | Steel, fishery and short-sea cargo |
| Beverwijk | NLBEV | Beverwijk / — | Vehicles, breakbulk and regional cargo |
| Zaandam | NLZAA | Zaandam / — | Inland and industrial cargo |
| Aalsmeer | NLAAM | Aalsmeer / — | Regional logistics and horticultural supply chains |
Zeeland and Scheldt Gateway
Zeeland ports connect Netherlands with the Scheldt estuary, Belgium-linked industrial zones and short-sea routes.
Selected Zeeland and Scheldt locations.
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiushing | NLFIU | Vlissingen / — | Ro-Ro, general cargo and offshore logistics |
| Terneuzen | NLTNZ | Terneuzen / — | Bulk, chemicals and industrial cargo |
| Hansweert | NLHAN | Hansweert / — | Inland waterway and regional cargo |
| Middelburg | NLMID | Middelburg / — | Local and regional cargo |
| Borssele | NLBOR | Borssele / — | Energy and industrial logistics |
Northern Netherlands and Inland Corridors
Northern and inland locations support regional industry, energy, project cargo and barge-connected distribution rather than the scale of Rotterdam’s deep-sea container operation.
Selected northern and inland locations.
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groningen | NLGRO | Groningen / — | Regional, energy and inland cargo |
| Delfzijl | NLDZL | Delfzijl / — | Chemicals, bulk and industrial cargo |
| Eemshaven | NLEEM | Eemshaven / — | Energy, offshore and project cargo |
| Harlingen | NLHAR | Harlingen / — | Short-sea, ferry and regional cargo |
| Venlo | NLVLO | Venlo / — | Inland logistics and intermodal distribution |
| Tilburg | NLTIL | Tilburg / — | Inland container and distribution logistics |
Netherlands Port Codes and UN/LOCODEs
Netherlands port identifiers generally use the country prefix NL followed by a three-character location code. The correct code should be confirmed against the shipment’s actual load, discharge or terminal location.
City-level and terminal-level references
A city or port-area code may cover several facilities, while a carrier booking can require a specific terminal, depot or inland location. Rotterdam entries such as NLROT and NLRTM should therefore be checked against the booking instruction.
How to verify a port code
Verify the code in the UNECE UN/LOCODE list and compare it with the current Ecer Freight port directory. Carrier schedules and terminal instructions remain the controlling operational references.
Shipping from Netherlands: Main Trade Lanes
Netherlands is a central European transshipment and distribution platform. Transit times vary by carrier, routing, equipment availability, port congestion, customs procedures and final inland destination.
Netherlands–East Asia
A major container corridor linking the Rhine–Meuse gateway with China, Southeast Asia, Korea and Japan.
Netherlands–North America
Regular container services connect Netherlands with United States and Canada gateways for consumer, industrial and project cargo.
Netherlands–Middle East and South Asia
Services support energy-related, industrial, consumer and project cargo flows through major regional hubs.
Netherlands–Intra-Europe and Short Sea
Short-sea, feeder, barge, rail and truck connections distribute ocean cargo into Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and wider Europe.
Sources and Data Methodology
This page distinguishes Ecer Freight’s indexed port coverage from official port statistics and international league tables. Throughput and year-on-year figures are subject to source definitions, reporting dates and later revisions.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party database snapshot for Oct 2026, with 184 Netherlands ports and terminals indexed.
- Port of Rotterdam Authority — official cargo and container throughput reporting for Rotterdam, including the 2025 reference year.
- Port of Amsterdam — official port facts, cargo categories and annual activity reporting.
- UNECE UN/LOCODE — international location-code structure and country-code reference.
- Eurostat Transport Database — European transport and maritime statistics used for cross-checking national and port activity indicators.
Netherlands Seaport FAQ
How many seaports does Netherlands have?
Netherlands has 184 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the Oct 2026 database snapshot. The figure represents indexed coverage and is not a national legal register.
What is the main port in Netherlands?
Rotterdam is the main port in Netherlands and the country’s leading deep-sea container, bulk and energy gateway. Its principal Ecer Freight code is NLROT.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Rotterdam?
The primary sample code for Rotterdam is NLROT; the database also contains the Rotterdam reference NLRTM. The exact code should be confirmed against the carrier and terminal booking.
Which regions handle the most freight in Netherlands?
The Rotterdam–Rhine–Meuse delta handles the largest share of Netherlands maritime freight. Amsterdam and North Holland, Zeeland, and northern gateways around Groningen, Delfzijl and Eemshaven provide additional specialized and regional capacity.
Are all 184 indexed locations deep-sea container ports?
No. The 184 indexed locations include seaports, inland ports, terminals and specialist cargo locations. Many serve bulk, breakbulk, energy, short-sea, barge or regional logistics rather than scheduled deep-sea container services.
How current is the Netherlands port data?
The database snapshot is from Oct 2026. The most recent complete statistical reference year is 2025, while official port authorities may publish revisions or updated annual bulletins after initial release.
How can shippers request Netherlands sea freight rates?
Shippers can compare current FCL and LCL options by specifying the Netherlands origin or destination port, cargo type, container requirements, final inland point and intended sailing window.
Editorial note: Netherlands port coverage is based on the Ecer Freight database snapshot for Oct 2026. Official throughput and trade indicators are cross-checked against port-authority, UNECE and European statistical sources where available. Port records and explanatory content are reviewed quarterly; carrier schedules, terminal availability, rates and transit times remain subject to confirmation.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Netherlands: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact