As of 1 April, Friedrich-Wilhelm Meyer has been appointed to represent the Port of Rotterdam in Germany’s southwestern states.
Alongside Wolfgang Schlegel, who was appointed last year, Meyer will oversee the southwestern region of Germany. Together, they succeed Roland Klein, who held the position for the past nine years.
Meyer brings a wealth of experience from the German automotive sector, having held various logistics management roles in both Germany and the United States.
He boasts an extensive network and deep expertise in international supply chain management. In his new role, Meyer will focus on expanding the Port of Rotterdam’s network in the region, serving as a key contact for shippers, industry organizations, local authorities, carriers, and freight forwarders.
According to a statement, the southwestern region of Germany is a critical hinterland area for the Port of Rotterdam due to the presence of numerous large industrial entities. The port plays a vital role in the supply chain linking this German region. The Port Authority aims to bolster its position as a logistics hub for the area by managing volumes sustainably and efficiently. Essential elements for achieving this include robust infrastructure, digitalization, and data sharing.
Furthermore, this appointment marks the first time two representatives will serve the Port of Rotterdam in a single region. The energy and raw-materials transition in Europe is prompting significant shifts in freight flows and production locations. As fossil-fuel imports decline and new import streams like hydrogen and biomass rise, the Port Authority has decided to appoint two representatives to focus on retaining existing cargo volumes and attracting new flows. Together with market participants, they will work to further optimize the connections between the port and the hinterland.
