The port of Harlingen lies between the Wadden Sea and offshore wind parks of the North Sea. It is located at the crossroads of waterways in the intersection point between Frisian lakes, the Northern sea and the Ijsselmeer with the Wadden sea. It is accessible from the open sea and neighbour’s city ports such as Antwerp, Hamburg, Dover, Amsterdam, Bremen, and Portsmouth.
This medium-sized port plays a very crucial economic role in the northern Netherlands, mainly the province of Friesland. In this region, the port is a significant source of employment and logistic. Also, with its goal in sustainable maritime, the port of Harlingen is an EcoPorts-certified. This type of certification by ESPO (European seaport organization) is given to European environmentally conscious ports and have put in place registration that controls the environmental impacts. ESPO's role is to assess whether the port is adhering to the laid out environmental regulations.
The benefits of using the port of Harlingen
The port of Harlingen come with distinguished benefits to its partners and clients who use it regularly. Some of these benefits include;
• It has a sizeable modern loading and off-loading facility.
Harlingen's port boasts having modern loading and off-loading equipment that can handle small and medium-sized vessels. Also, it has a large storage area for storing large consignments on transit. The port is also known for the vessel repair, shipbuilding, and maintenance services. That is why many clients see it as a one-stop harbour for a full service.
Furthermore, in 2018 the port inaugurated a new floating pier with a length of 525ft. This action benefited the local cruise ship by allowing both river passenger and ocean ships to berth. It also provides easier embarkation when sea tide rises and fall.
• Meets its maritime obligation
The port of Harlingen is known to meet all its maritime obligations to its partners and clients. Also, it facilitates, coordinate and promotes new investments activities across the harbour by ensuring it serves the growth of its offshore wind market.
• Aspire to maintain a Serene environment
When clients visit Harlingen, they enjoy a welcoming and comfortable stay. Unlike other congested ports, Harlingen is free from congestion, and the main airport, Schiphol, is an hour’s drive away. As a client, you get to enjoy the warm aquatic region with a flat coast. Nonetheless, this port aspires to build an active seaport that is in harmony with the surrounding environment. That is why they are at the forefront in encouraging innovation that protects nature.
• Good logistic centre
Port of Harlingen is a suitable logistic centre in the northern Netherlands. Nonetheless, the combination of both sea and airport gives this port an excellent variety of choice to its clients. Harlingen is not the only Dutch port in the Wadden sea. This port coordinates with other Dutch Wadden ports to exchange best maritime practices. It also organizes an annual conference and invites stakeholders and partners to share the best economic opportunities emerging in the warden sea.
Conclusion
The port of Harlingen is one of the best medium-sized ports in the Netherlands. This port is accessible to the open sea, which is an advantage to its clients. Also, the port acts as a crucial economic zone to the citizens of the northern Netherlands.