In the spring of 2025, the Port of Rotterdam Authority joined the Responsible Commodities Sourcing Initiative (RECOSI). RECOSI develops sector-specific frameworks that help members implement improvements in their environmental impact, social responsibility, and regulatory compliance within energy and commodity supply chains, including coal and gas. Through cooperation within RECOSI, the Port Authority aims to be able to contribute more effectively to responsible chains through the port.

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and is home to three thousand companies. The port is a hub for many different chains, with links all over the world. As manager, operator, and developer of the port, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is connected to the various links in these chains. If there are any questions or concerns about specific links, the Port Authority proceeds in accordance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. By exerting its influence in various ways, the Port Authority aims to help prevent or reduce potential violations of human rights, working conditions, the environment, and corruption.

Cooperation is essential

Katie Warrick, RECOSI Executive Director: “The Port of Rotterdam Authority is joining RECOSI at a time when our organization is growing. We work with our members to develop programs that enable them to diversify their energy supply and limit risks in chains. We focus on important ESG issues, where collaboration is often essential to bring about change. We are therefore delighted that Europe’s largest port is joining our initiative.”

Michiel Nijdam, Director of Strategy at the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “The Port Authority is primarily connected to the links in the chain that are causing concern through the services it provides to clients. We therefore almost always work together with other parties in the chain, including our clients, to bring about improvements. We do this by carefully identifying issues and using our influence to find a solution. In practice, this means that we bring together relevant parties to raise awareness or take action, make our knowledge or network available to others, or lobby for legislation and regulations. RECOSI helps us to further improve our approach to commodity and energy chains.”

Strengthening information and approach

By working with RECOSI, the Port Authority will strengthen its flow of information when it comes to regulations such as CSDDD, mapping value chains, and identifying risks for specific countries or regions. RECOSI also makes it easier to collaborate with other parties involved in links in the chains that are causing concern. RECOSI has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience over the past ten years. This gives the organization a clear understanding of what is and is not working. RESOCI focuses specifically on designing and improving the due diligence process for coal and gas and facilitates location-specific research and evaluations.

Source: Port of Rotterdam