## Company Profile CLEVE & ZONEN BV — Netherlands-based freight forwarder (lead contact: Mike Draer, Business & Development Manager). Public team listing indicates a full-service forwarding operation serving Rotterdam/Netherlands trade flows. Typical services and market position (inferred from company type and presence in Rotterdam market): sea/air/road forwarding, customs clearance and document handling, consolidation and distribution for importers/exporters, and ad-hoc project logistics. Likely a mid-market regional forwarder focused on North‑West Europe hub flows and reefer/consumer‑goods trades that use Rotterdam as a gateway. ## Pain Points 1) Reefer & perishables capacity and booking reliability: Dutch re‑exports and stronger imports from South America and South Africa (2025–26) increase demand for reliable long‑haul reefer capacity and consolidation services — forwarders face noise around space, spot volatility, and second‑mile quality control. 2) Hub congestion & inland disruption squeezing margins: Rotterdam congestion, higher yard utilisation, barge waiting times and Rhine low‑water limitations drive inland surcharges, empty repositioning costs and schedule unreliability that make all‑in pricing and customer SLAs harder to meet. 3) Compliance, traceability and digital visibility: rising EU/Dutch sustainability and product rules (packaging, deforestation‑free/traceability, emissions reporting) plus retailer demand for real‑time shipment data increase documentation burden and expose gaps in system integrations and CO₂/ESG reporting. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – PORT OF ROTTERDAM CONTAINER THROUGHPUT & CONGESTION, 2025–2026 OUTLOOK === • Overall cargo trend (context for 2026): – Total cargo throughput at Rotterdam fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025; volumes last grew in 2021.(https://nltimes.nl/2026/02/26/cargo-volumes-port-rotterdam-fall-fourth-consecutive-year?utm_source=openai) – H1 2025 throughput: 211.0 million tonnes, down 4.1% year‑on‑year.(https://container-news.com/rotterdam-port-activity-declines-in-h1-2025/?utm_source=openai) • Container volumes and structure: – H1 2025 container throughput declined 1.0% in tonnes to 66.5 million tonnes, but TEU flows to Europe and North America actually increased (indicating more empties and changing trade mix).(https://container-news.com/rotterdam-port-activity-declines-in-h1-2025/?utm_source=openai) – A Rotterdam fact sheet for full‑year 2025 shows container throughput of about 14.24 million TEU (133.2 million tonnes). TEU mix: approx. 84% dry, 14% reefer, 2% tank. Container trades by volume: Asia ~24%, North America ~13.4%, South America ~15.7%, highlighting Rotterdam’s role in Asia–Europe and reefer flows.(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/containers-fact-sheet-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai) – Structural imbalance: between 2020 and 2025, the gap between import and export volumes widened by 1.47 million TEU, leading to a higher share of empty containers in the system and growing repositioning requirements—a trend expected to persist in 2026.(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai) • Congestion and operational pressures (2025 data informing early‑2026 view): – Port of Rotterdam’s Half‑Year Report 2025 describes “exceptional congestion” in container handling, with inland shipping and road freight absorbing most of the delay impact, even as quay productivity and sea‑side waiting times for large ships were kept under control.(https://reporting.portofrotterdam.com/external/asset/download/project/f926250a-03f3-0000-1b19-7f2d2f946700/name/Half-Year%20Report%202025%20FINAL.pdf?utm_source=openai) – Seatrade/OLGN analysis (June 2025) links congestion to: • reshuffling of liner alliances and capacity growth, • labour disputes at Rotterdam and Antwerp, • high yard utilization levels (yard density >80% at some hubs) and barge waiting times of up to ~3 days at Rotterdam due to both congestion and low Rhine water levels.(https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai) • Market outlook for 2026 (containers specifically): – Port of Rotterdam’s Container Market Outlook 2026 (white paper with Xeneta) projects: • global container capacity growth of ~3.5–4% in 2026 vs. expected demand growth of ~3%, implying mild overcapacity, • continued weakness in European exports vs. relatively stronger imports, reinforcing import–export imbalances, • further consolidation of deep‑sea calls in a small number of large hub ports (like Rotterdam) with increased feedering to regional ports (hub‑and‑spoke intensification).(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai) • Take‑aways for 2026: – Throughput headlines show aggregate cargo still under pressure, but containers are comparatively resilient and shifting structurally towards import‑heavy, Asia–Europe flows.(https://nltimes.nl/2026/02/26/cargo-volumes-port-rotterdam-fall-fourth-consecutive-year?utm_source=openai) – Congestion risk in 2026 remains elevated not because of acute terminal bottlenecks alone, but due to: continued alliance/network reshuffles, recurring labour issues, inland mode bottlenecks (barges/rail/road), and more unbalanced container flows.(https://reporting.portofrotterdam.com/external/asset/download/project/f926250a-03f3-0000-1b19-7f2d2f946700/name/Half-Year%20Report%202025%20FINAL.pdf?utm_source=openai) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – NETHERLANDS HORTICULTURE & FRESH PRODUCE EXPORT TRENDS, 2025–2026 (EUROPE DEMAND & SOURCING SHIFTS) === • Dutch fresh produce export performance (latest quantified signals): – Dutch fruit & vegetable exports (including re‑exports) increased by 11% in value in 2025 vs 2024, reaching roughly €5.0 billion for domestically produced fruit and vegetables alone.(https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai) – The Netherlands reinforced its role as a “reliable partner” to European supermarkets and wholesalers, with larger volumes of both domestic product and re‑exports, especially fruit.(https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai) – On the import side (for re‑export), Peru (~€1.8 billion) and South Africa (~€1.6 billion) have overtaken Spain (~€1.5 billion) as the most important origins for Dutch fruit imports, underscoring a structural tilt toward extra‑EU sourcing for some key categories.(https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai) • Role in European supply & sourcing patterns: – The Netherlands operates as a primary EU fresh‑produce gateway and redistribution hub, with extensive re‑export flows across Northwest Europe. Dutch norms around quality, packaging, and sustainability (e.g., reduced plastics, recyclable materials) strongly influence packaging and compliance standards adopted by European retailers.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) – Fresh produce supply chains have become increasingly “quality‑led and sustainability‑aware and less price‑driven” in the Dutch and Northwest European retail environment, increasing emphasis on certifications, pesticide‑residue compliance, and deforestation‑free or climate‑footprint claims.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) • Emerging demand and sourcing shifts into 2026: – Stronger dependence on non‑EU origins (Peru, South Africa, other Southern Hemisphere exporters) for year‑round fruit categories (grapes, avocados, citrus, berries) indicates: • higher exposure to shipping reliability and reefer capacity on South America/SSA–North Europe trades, • continued demand for advanced cold‑chain handling and quality‑preservation services at Dutch/Rotterdam‑proximate facilities.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) – Intensifying sustainability requirements in EU legislation (e.g., Green Deal‑linked initiatives, packaging and waste directives, carbon‑footprint disclosures) are driving packers, importers and growers who ship via the Netherlands to upgrade to recyclable/compostable packaging and more precise traceability; these Dutch‑centric standards then cascade into other EU markets the Netherlands supplies.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) • Strategic implications for 2026: – Volume growth in Dutch horticulture exports and re‑exports (double‑digit in 2025) plus a pivot to non‑EU origins are positive demand signals for: reefer capacity into Rotterdam/other Dutch ports, specialized fresh‑produce logistics, and value‑added services (quality inspections, re‑packing, ripening, mixed‑load consolidation).(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) – Retail and food‑service buyers across Europe increasingly look to Dutch traders as orchestrators of year‑round multi‑origin sourcing, making the Netherlands an even more central node for managing climate, compliance, and reputational risks in fresh supply chains.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] – EUROPEAN FREIGHT FORWARDER PAIN POINTS 2025–2026 (CAPACITY, RATES, COMPLIANCE, DIGITALIZATION, NEARSHORING) === • Capacity & congestion: – Persistent congestion at major North European hubs (Rotterdam, Antwerp‑Bruges, others) has led to: high yard utilization (>80% in peak 2025 periods), inland barge waiting times of ~3 days at Rotterdam and Antwerp, and schedule unreliability, complicating forwarders’ planning and delivery commitments.(https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai) – Alliance reshuffles and evolving hub‑and‑spoke strategies (fewer direct calls, more feedering) create uncertainty around service patterns, forcing forwarders to re‑route via alternate ports and adjust intermodal legs on short notice.(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai) • Rates & cost volatility: – Congestion, low water levels on the Rhine (restricting barge loads), and labour disruptions have triggered surcharges on inland barge and trucking legs, pushing up end‑to‑end costs for forwarders.(https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai) – Container market outlooks for 2026 suggest modest but persistent overcapacity (capacity up ~3.5–4% vs. demand up ~3%), creating rate volatility: spot seafreight is under pressure yet inland and port‑related cost components remain elevated, squeezing forwarder margins and making all‑in pricing harder to forecast.(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai) • Compliance & regulatory pressure: – Forwarders are grappling with layered regulatory regimes affecting EU trades, including: • environmental and climate measures (e.g., ETS extension to maritime, FuelEU Maritime, emissions reporting requirements) passing cost and reporting complexity down the chain, • tightening product‑specific rules (e.g., EU deforestation‑free products regulation for certain agri‑commodities) requiring more origin data and traceability, • security/sanctions screening amid geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. (These themes are highlighted broadly across 2025–26 EU logistics and container‑market briefs.)(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai) – For fresh and agri chains routed via the Netherlands, forwarders must also manage stricter food safety, packaging, and sustainability compliance originating from the Dutch/EU retail environment (e.g., pesticide residues, packaging directives), increasing documentation and coordination with shippers.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) • Digitalization & data requirements: – Large shippers and carriers are pushing for more real‑time visibility, predictive ETA updates, and digital booking/billing. Many small and mid‑size European forwarders struggle to integrate multiple carrier portals, port community systems, and customs/ compliance platforms into cohesive workflows. (Described across 2025 container‑market white papers and port digitalization commentary.)(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai) – Growing reliance on data (CO₂ reporting, route optimization, shipment milestones) exposes capability gaps: fragmented TMS platforms, limited API connectivity, and manual exceptions handling remain common pain points.(https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai) • Nearshoring / re‑shoring & network redesign: – Structural trade shifts captured in Rotterdam’s 2025 figures point to a re‑orientation of flows: stronger imports from Asia, weaker European exports, and significant changes in transhipment volumes. This interacts with broader nearshoring moves (e.g., more production in Central/Eastern Europe and North Africa), forcing forwarders to: • re‑design routings between “mega‑hubs” and secondary ports, • balance sea vs. rail/road trade‑offs for shorter intra‑European legs, • manage more complex, multi‑node networks rather than simple point‑to‑point Asia–EU flows.(https://container-news.com/rotterdams-2025-container-performance-reveals-structural-trade-shifts/?utm_source=openai) • Overall 2026 problem framing for European forwarders: – Operationally: persistent hub congestion, alliance/network churn, and inland bottlenecks → reliability risk and capacity planning challenges.(https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai) – Financially: volatile ocean rates vs. structurally high inland and compliance‑driven costs → margin compression and pricing uncertainty.(https://container-news.com/rotterdam-port-activity-declines-in-h1-2025/?utm_source=openai) – Compliance & digital: rapidly expanding ESG and product regulations plus customer demands for digital transparency → need for better data, systems, and collaboration with ports and carriers, with many mid‑tier forwarders lagging.(https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai) Sources: • Cargo volumes at Port of Rotterdam fall for fourth consecutive year | NL Times https://nltimes.nl/2026/02/26/cargo-volumes-port-rotterdam-fall-fourth-consecutive-year?utm_source=openai • Rotterdam port activity declines in H1 2025 - Container News https://container-news.com/rotterdam-port-activity-declines-in-h1-2025/?utm_source=openai • Rotterdam port activity declines in H1 2025 - Container News https://container-news.com/rotterdam-port-activity-declines-in-h1-2025/?utm_source=openai • POR-390 Container Glance 2026 02 alt https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/containers-fact-sheet-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai • Zwischen Wachstum und Druck: Containerjahr 2025 Rotterdam unter der Lupe | Port of Rotterdam https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai • Port of RotterdamHALF-YEAR REPORT 2025 https://reporting.portofrotterdam.com/external/asset/download/project/f926250a-03f3-0000-1b19-7f2d2f946700/name/Half-Year%20Report%202025%20FINAL.pdf?utm_source=openai • Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion | Metro Global https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai • Zwischen Wachstum und Druck: Containerjahr 2025 Rotterdam unter der Lupe | Port of Rotterdam https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai • Cargo volumes at Port of Rotterdam fall for fourth consecutive year | NL Times https://nltimes.nl/2026/02/26/cargo-volumes-port-rotterdam-fall-fourth-consecutive-year?utm_source=openai • Port of RotterdamHALF-YEAR REPORT 2025 https://reporting.portofrotterdam.com/external/asset/download/project/f926250a-03f3-0000-1b19-7f2d2f946700/name/Half-Year%20Report%202025%20FINAL.pdf?utm_source=openai • Export van groenten en fruit stijgt met 11 procent - Nederlandse Fruittelers Organisatie https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai • Export van groenten en fruit stijgt met 11 procent - Nederlandse Fruittelers Organisatie https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai • Export van groenten en fruit stijgt met 11 procent - Nederlandse Fruittelers Organisatie https://www.nfofruit.nl/nieuws/export-van-groenten-en-fruit-stijgt-met-11-procent/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion | Metro Global https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai • Zwischen Wachstum und Druck: Containerjahr 2025 Rotterdam unter der Lupe | Port of Rotterdam https://www.portofrotterdam.com/de/nachrichten-und-pressemitteilungen/zwischen-wachstum-und-druck-containerjahr-2025-rotterdam-unter?utm_source=openai • Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion | Metro Global https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai • TURBULENT TIMES: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai • TURBULENT TIMES: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai • Netherlands Fresh Produce Market and EU Supply Role https://www.grocerytradenews.com/netherlands-fresh-produce-2025-2026/?utm_source=openai • TURBULENT TIMES: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai • TURBULENT TIMES: https://www.portofrotterdam.com/sites/default/files/2026-01/container-outlook-white-paper_0.pdf?utm_source=openai • Rotterdam's 2025 container performance reveals structural trade shifts - Container News https://container-news.com/rotterdams-2025-container-performance-reveals-structural-trade-shifts/?utm_source=openai • Carriers Reroute as European Ports Buckle Under Congestion | Metro Global https://metro.global/2025/07/22/carriers-reroute-as-european-ports-buckle-under-congestion/?utm_source=openai