Zeeland (meaning sea-land) is a southwest province of the Netherlands made up of several islands and a strip along Belgium’s border. On the delta lands of the Maas and Scheldt Rivers, the islands are interconnected or to the inland province by bridges and dams.
The coastline of Zeeland continually changes as islands grow with alluvial deposits, are united by dikes, or are destroyed by floods. To end this struggle, the Dutch government implemented the Delta Project to dam sea channels and further connect the islands with each other and the mainland in the late 1950s.
Port History
Archeological evidence found in the Oosterschelde estuary in the form of more than 160 carved stone offerings to the ancient goddess Nehalennia suggests habitation in the area since the 2nd Century BC and includes the era of Roman occupation.
Long disputed territory, Holland annexed the islands in the early 14th Century. The Port of Zeeland became a possession of Burgundy’s Philip the Good in 1432. Then marriage brought it to Habsburg ownership in 1477. It became part of the United Provinces in the late 17th Century. When the Kingdom of the Netherlands was united in 1815, today’s Zeeland was created.
Port Commerce
Zeeland Seaports is responsible for the Zeeland ports of Terneuzen and Vlissingen, and the local municipalities and the province are shareholders. Zeeland Seaports manages and maintains the ports and ensures their security. It is responsible for maintaining the wet and dry infrastructure, acquiring suitable areas, managing contracts, and collecting port fees.
The combined ports of Vlissingen (to the north) and Terneuzen (to the south) make up Zeeland Seaports. Located between Rotterdam and Antwerp, Zeeland Seaports has open passage to the North Sea. Zeeland Seaports covers 4400 hectares. In 2006, over 30 million tons of cargo passed through the Zeeland Seaports on 6,572 vessels.
Cruising and Travel
Tourism is vital to Zeeland Seaports’ economy. During the summer when population can quadruple, visitors (mostly from Germany) come to enjoy its sunny beaches. Travelers get there primarily over inland routes.
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