Container gateway · Netherlands
Port of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a container gateway on the North Sea in Netherlands (Northern Europe & Atlantic). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Netherlands
- UN/LOCODE
- NLRTM
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Northern Europe & Atlantic
- Waters
- North Sea
- Coordinates
- 51.95°N, 4.05°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 13.4 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 8,980 nm
About the port of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port. Its Maasvlakte terminals receive the largest container ships, and the port connects to the European hinterland by barge, rail and road, making it a primary destination for Asia–North Europe services.
Rotterdam is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Rotterdam handled approximately 13.4 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Asia–North Europe is a core East–West trade lane. Routing via the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope depends on the carrier’s current network and security assessment for the Red Sea.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Rotterdam | 8,980 | 24–28 days |
| Hai Phong → Rotterdam | 9,690 | 25–30 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Rotterdam that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the European Union, entry summary declarations under the ICS2 system must be filed before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Netherlands that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: EVFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Rotterdam
Where is the port of Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is in Netherlands, on the North Sea, in the Northern Europe & Atlantic shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Rotterdam?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Rotterdam is NLRTM. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Rotterdam?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 8,980 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 24–28 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Rotterdam?
According to published rankings, Rotterdam handled approximately 13.4 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Rotterdam?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Rotterdam?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Rotterdam through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.