UN/LOCODE: NLTNZ📍 Netherlands

Port of Terneuzen (UN/LOCODE NLTNZ)

❖ Coordinates: 51.3323°N, 3.8324°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Amsterdam

❖ UN/LOCODE: NLTNZ

## About the Port The **Port of Terneuzen** (UN/LOCODE: NLTNZ) is a significant inland port located in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands, at coordinates 51.3322854° N, 3.8324265° E. Situated along the Westerschelde (Western Scheldt) River, it serves as a critical hub within the Scheldt River port cluster, connecting to the North Sea and major European inland waterways. Operating in the Europe/Amsterdam timezone, Terneuzen plays a pivotal role in the logistics chain, handling diverse cargo types while supporting both regional and international trade. Managed by the Port of Terneuzen Authority, it leverages its strategic position to facilitate efficient cargo transshipment and industrial supply chains, particularly for bulk commodities and specialized materials. The port’s infrastructure is tightly integrated with neighboring ports like Vlissingen, enhancing its capacity and connectivity within the broader North Sea and Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta region. ## History The origins of the Port of Terneuzen trace back to the 19th century when the Dutch government initiated the reclamation of the Flemish-Dutch border area, creating a tidal basin to accommodate maritime commerce. Initially developed to support the agricultural and industrial sectors of Zeeland, the port expanded significantly during the 20th century, particularly after World War II, in tandem with the growth of the European economy. The completion of the Westerschelde shipping channel in 1982 further elevated its status by enabling larger vessels access to the port. Over time, Terneuzen evolved into a modern, multipurpose facility, aligning with EU transport policies and the expansion of container shipping. Its development reflects the Netherlands’ strategic focus on maritime infrastructure as a cornerstone of its economic policy, positioning it as a complementary node to the larger Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam. ## Infrastructure & Facilities The Port of Terneuzen features extensive infrastructure tailored to handle a variety of cargo types. Its terminals include facilities for dry bulk (e.g., coal, grain, and minerals), liquid bulk (chemicals, fuels), and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) units. The port’s quay length spans approximately 7.5 kilometers, with depths ranging from 8 to 12 meters, accommodating vessels up to 15,000 deadweight tons. Key facilities include specialized terminals for agribulk, steel, and project cargo, alongside a dedicated container terminal equipped with gantry cranes and straddle carriers. Terneuzen’s logistics ecosystem is reinforced by industrial zones such as the Terneuzen Industrial Campus, which hosts companies in chemicals, manufacturing, and food processing. The port authority collaborates closely with the Port of Vlissingen to optimize resource sharing and enhance capacity utilization. Additionally, the site offers multimodal connectivity through road, rail, and inland waterway networks, ensuring seamless cargo distribution. The port’s modernized infrastructure supports sustainable practices, including investments in digital logistics platforms and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Dutch and EU environmental regulations. ## Economic Importance The Port of Terneuzen is a vital economic driver for Zeeland and the broader Southern Netherlands region. It directly employs thousands of workers and indirectly supports industries dependent on maritime trade, such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, and agriculture. The port’s activities contribute significantly to the regional GDP, generating an estimated €1.5 billion annually through logistics, industrial services, and trade-related sectors. Its integration into the European hinterland makes it a key link in the EU’s supply chain, particularly for inland transport routes connecting to Germany, Belgium, and France. The port also plays a strategic role in the Netherlands’ energy sector, with terminals handling biomass, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and petroleum products. By fostering industrial symbiosis within its campus, Terneuzen supports circular economy initiatives, attracting investments in green technologies and sustainable logistics. This economic symbiosis reinforces the port’s status as a cornerstone of Zeeland’s industrial landscape and a model for eco-conscious maritime development. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Terneuzen’s trade activities are primarily routed through the Westerschelde River, providing direct access to the North Sea and connections to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s largest ports. The port’s cargo portfolio is dominated by dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and construction materials, alongside liquid bulk shipments including chemicals and agribulk like fertilizers and animal feed. RoRo and container traffic have grown steadily, serving automotive and manufacturing sectors across Europe. Notable trade routes link Terneuzen to inland destinations via the Rhine and Meuse rivers, enabling efficient distribution to hinterland markets. The port handles approximately 10–15 million tons of cargo annually, with key export markets in Germany, Belgium, and the UK. Its specialized terminals cater to niche sectors, such as project cargo for offshore wind energy and steel coils for automotive industries. The port’s proximity to major European industrial zones also facilitates just-in-time delivery systems, making it a preferred choice for time-sensitive freight. By maintaining robust partnerships with the Port of Vlissingen and leveraging its position within the Scheldt port cluster, Terneuzen continues to expand its global footprint while prioritizing efficiency and sustainability in trade operations. For further details, refer to the Port of Terneuzen official website↗ or explore the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management↗.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

NLTNZ

Country

Netherlands

Province / Region

Zeeland

Latitude

51.332285

Longitude

3.832426

Timezone

Europe/Amsterdam

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Terneuzen?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Terneuzen is NLTNZ.

Where is Port of Terneuzen located?

The Port of Terneuzen is located in Netherlands, Zeeland. Its coordinates are 51.3323°N, 3.8324°E.

What time zone is Port of Terneuzen in?

Port of Terneuzen operates in the Europe/Amsterdam time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

📍 Nearby Ports

Other maritime facilities geographically close to Terneuzen.

Vlissingen

Netherlands • 23 km away

Netherlands • 37 km away

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