Value Chain Analysis of the Port of Amsterdam
As a central hub in global logistics, the port of Amsterdam faces new challenges. In addition to traditional flows, the port focuses on new, sustainable cargoes and attracting new clients. The complexity of interconnected value chains arises, sometimes making it challenging to trace the origin of products.
The challenge
By 2025, Port of Amsterdam aims to be a leading European seaport, at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable society. Even though a port does not directly impact the origin of raw materials, the Port of Amsterdam recognizes its responsibility within international trade chains, especially given that cargoes can be sourced from areas with environmental damage or human rights issues. Port of Amsterdam strives to gain more insight into raw materials and product origins, emphasizing increased transparency and sustainability in the supply chain.
The appoach
In collaboration with The Terrace, Rebel conducted a comprehensive analysis of risks in the value chains of cargoes in the port, focusing on critical value chains like coal, palm oil, and diesel. The objective was to enhance understanding and create a knowledge base for commercial managers, supporting their discussions with existing clients and negotiations with potential new clients within the port.
Applying the OECD’s risk-based due diligence approach, Rebel conducted a risk assessment. This included identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing environmental, social, and governance risks in the upstream value chains of cargo coming through the port.
Risks were categorized into human rights, deforestation, pollution, child labor, climate change, health and safety, communities, and land use. Rebel analyzed the risks in each value chain by considering its commercial future in the port and societal trends. The research was based on interviews with experts and desk research.
To ensure understanding and gather input, Rebel organized a workshop for the commercial managers of Port of Amsterdam, the users of the value chain analysis. This session facilitated an open discussion on sustainability, challenges, risks, and potential solutions within different value chains, emphasizing shared responsibility from the Port of Amsterdam.
Impact
Rebel's analysis enhances the understanding of the commercial department of Port of Amsterdam of potential risks in value chains running through the port.
The experience of a Rebel
