Europe's biggest port, Rotterdam, is preparing for a potential conflict with Russia, the FT reports.
The port is reserving space for military cargo ships and planning how to route shipments if war breaks out. It will also step up exercises for such a scenario.
The port has handled military cargo before, but even during the Cold War there was no area specifically designated for such shipments. Part of a container terminal is now being set aside for these needs, the article says.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority is coordinating with Antwerp regarding the possible arrival of British, American and Canadian vehicles and supplies.
Regarding coordination with the Belgian port, it was stated that “we are increasingly perceived as competitors“. If a large volume of weapons arrives, Rotterdam plans to turn to Antwerp or other ports to unload some of the shipments. Rotterdam is also a strategic oil storage location.
Meanwhile, Denmark has begun deploying naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect underwater infrastructure and monitor vessels amid growing hybrid threats from Russia.
The Dutch Defense Ministry said that, at NATO's request, the port of Rotterdam must provide a staging area for several ships carrying military cargo. The Belgian port of Antwerp - the second largest in the EU - is also preparing for a possible conflict. It regularly receives cargo for US troops stationed in Europe. The two ports have joined forces to counter the threat from Russia and strengthen defense capabilities.