The port operations industry in Benelux plays a crucial role in global trade, offering a hub for logistics, storage, and transportation. With strategic locations like Rotterdam and Antwerp, companies ranging from marine service providers to logistics giants work collectively to ensure smooth flow of goods. The industry is evolving with a push toward sustainability—investments into green technologies and efficient systems are on the rise. Not only do these operations impact local economies, but they also contribute to reducing carbon footprints in shipping. Increasing digitalization, automation, and a focus on renewable energy are paving the way for stronger operations in the future.


Our comprehensive list features 17 investors from varying backgrounds, including venture capitalists, private equity firms, and corporate investors. Based primarily in Benelux’s key cities like Rotterdam and Luxembourg, these investors encompass a mix of large and small organizations. Founded between 1868 and 2018, and with deal counts in 2024 ranging from 1 to 99, their diverse strategies reflect a powerful interest in enhancing port operations. Significant players such as Boskalis and CVC Capital Partners are not only making an impact locally but also have global influences, emphasizing their capabilities and outreach.


Top 17 Port Operations Investors in Benelux


1. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024, the EIB was involved in significant transactions within the port operations sector, including a debt financing of $40,215,016 for Aberdeen Harbour Board and another debt financing of $84,044,825 for Bilbao Port. These investments highlight the EIB's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and supporting growth in the port operations industry, alongside its broader focus on promoting growth and job creation across multiple sectors.


2. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the maritime sector, acquiring D-Marin, a premium yacht marina operator, as part of their strategy to establish a leading global marina operating company. This acquisition, along with their investment in CLH Group, which is involved in logistics and transportation, highlights CVC's engagement in sectors that are integral to port operations, thereby reinforcing their position as a relevant investor in this field.


3. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has been involved in significant transactions relevant to the port operations context, including the acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for EUR 480 million, which is expected to close by July 1, 2025. This acquisition highlights Triton's strategic interest in the logistics and cargo handling sector, which is integral to port operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Nordic Tankers, a company involved in maritime transportation, further emphasizes their engagement in industries that intersect with port operations.


4. Boskalis

  • Website: boskalis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: boskalis

Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a logistics and marine services company based in Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1910. The company specializes in dredging and the maintenance of maritime infrastructure, providing a wide range of services including coastal defense, land reclamation, and offshore energy support. Boskalis serves a diverse clientele, including port authorities and energy companies, who rely on their expertise for safe and efficient maritime operations. Notably, Boskalis has made significant acquisitions that enhance its role in port operations, such as the acquisition of Smit Lamnalco, a company providing terminal services, which reported a revenue of approximately USD 275 million in 2023. This acquisition, along with others like ALP Maritime Services and Smit Internationale, positions Boskalis as a key player in the port operations sector, allowing them to expand their service offerings and operational capabilities.


5. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)


De Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a development agency based in Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1983. BOM supports startups and scale-ups in the Brabant region by offering various programs aimed at enhancing business growth, including readiness programs for venture capital and innovation in sustainable food and energy sectors. Notably, BOM has invested in Shypple, a digital freight forwarding platform based in Rotterdam, which raised €7.1 million in a Series A funding round and €1.7 million in a previous funding round. These investments highlight BOM's engagement in the logistics and shipping industry, particularly in relation to port operations. Additionally, BOM has invested in CtrlChain, which, while not directly related to port operations, indicates their broader interest in innovative logistics solutions. Overall, BOM's activities demonstrate a commitment to fostering growth in sectors that intersect with port operations.


6. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, founded in 1982 and based in Amsterdam, North Holland, is a banking institution that offers a variety of financial services, including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. In 2024, the bank was involved in several significant transactions that highlight its role in the maritime sector. Notably, it participated in debt financing for Star Bulk, which raised $200 million, Global Ship Lease with $300 million, and North Star with $287.8 million. These transactions reflect ABN AMRO's commitment to supporting companies that are crucial to shipping and logistics, thereby linking its financial services to the port operations industry.


7. VentureFriends

  • Website: venturefriends.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: venturefriends

VentureFriends is a venture capital firm based in the Netherlands, founded in 2016, that specializes in early-stage investments in startups. They provide financial backing and strategic support to ambitious founders, particularly in sectors like FinTech and PropTech. In 2024, they have already made 8 investments, showcasing their active role in the startup ecosystem. Notably, they led a Series A funding round for Harbor Lab, a Greece-based startup that raised over $16 million for its shipping disbursement analysis software, indicating their engagement in the port operations sector. Additionally, they have invested in byrd, a logistics company that has raised significant funding in previous rounds, further emphasizing their interest in the logistics and shipping industries. This combination of investments highlights VentureFriends' commitment to supporting innovative solutions that can enhance operational efficiencies in port operations and logistics.


8. Van Oord

  • Website: vanoord.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1868
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: van-oord

Royal Van Oord is a maritime contractor based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, specializing in dredging, land reclamation, and offshore energy projects. Founded in 1868, the company has over 155 years of experience and operates globally, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative solutions for climate adaptation and infrastructure development. Notably, Van Oord has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the port operations sector. For instance, the acquisition of Dravo S.A. allowed Van Oord to fully integrate dredging operations in Southern Europe, reinforcing its position in the market. Additionally, the acquisition of MPI Offshore strengthens their involvement in offshore wind installation, which is increasingly relevant to port operations as renewable energy projects expand. These transactions highlight Van Oord's commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and operations through their specialized services.


9. Vopak

  • Website: vopak.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vopak

Royal Vopak N.V. is a logistics company founded in 1999, headquartered in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands. With a workforce of 5001-10000 employees, Vopak specializes in the storage and handling of essential products such as chemicals, oil, gases, and biofuels. The company serves a diverse range of customers, including producers and manufacturers, by providing safe and efficient storage solutions through its global network of terminals. Notably, Vopak has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to port operations, including the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Eems Energy Terminal for approximately €100 million, aimed at enhancing their LNG infrastructure. Additionally, Vopak's agreement to sell Vopak Agencies and a portion of Diize to Wilhelmsen Port Services highlights their active role in the port services sector. Furthermore, Vopak has participated in funding rounds for Hydrogenious Technologies, which focuses on hydrogen storage and transportation, indicating their interest in innovative logistics solutions that may intersect with port operations.


10. Marguerite


Marguerite is an infrastructure investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2010, specializing in sustainable investments across Europe. The firm focuses on funding initiatives that address climate change and promote economic growth through renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Marguerite's clients include institutional investors seeking to align their portfolios with environmental and social governance principles. Notably, Marguerite has made strategic investments in sectors related to port operations, including a 25% stake in GTS group, the largest private intermodal operator in Italy, which enhances logistics and transportation capabilities. Additionally, they acquired a 65% stake in Jifmar Offshore Services, which is involved in offshore service vessel operations, further connecting them to maritime activities. Their investment in Fraport Greece, which operates regional airports, also reflects their focus on infrastructure improvements, although it is less directly related to port operations.


11. ICT Group

  • Website: ict.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Barendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: ict_group

ICT Group is a corporate investor based in Barendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in technology solutions for industrial automation and digital transformation. Founded in 1978, the company has a workforce of 1001-5000 employees and focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative technological solutions. In recent years, ICT Group has made significant acquisitions that bolster its position in the logistics market. Notably, the acquisition of Modality, a leading IT systems provider for intermodal container logistics, demonstrates their commitment to improving logistics operations, which are integral to port operations. Additionally, their acquisition of YellowStar Solutions, which offers web-based supply chain solutions, further enhances their capabilities in the logistics sector. These strategic moves indicate ICT Group's interest in sectors that overlap with port operations, making them a noteworthy investor in this space.


12. APM Terminals

  • Website: apmterminals.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: apm-terminals

APM Terminals is a logistics company specializing in port operations and terminal management, founded in 2004 and based in The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands. With over 10,000 employees, APM Terminals provides integrated logistics solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency for shipping lines and cargo owners. Notably, APM Terminals has made significant investments in the port operations sector, including the acquisition of a controlling stake in a Georgian Black Sea port in 2011, which underscores their strategic focus on expanding their operational footprint. More recently, in 2022, APM Terminals proposed to acquire a terminal at the Atlântico Sul Shipyard in Suape for R$ 455 million, with plans to invest up to BRL 2.6 billion to enhance the port's capacity by 55%. This project is expected to be operational by late 2025, further solidifying APM Terminals' role as a key player in the port operations industry.


13. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government. Founded in 2001, PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. In recent years, PMV has also made significant investments in the logistics sector, which is crucial for port operations. Notably, PMV participated in the Series A funding round for SupplyStack, which raised €5 million to enhance logistics operations. Additionally, PMV invested in Dockflow, a company that raised €400K in seed funding to improve transparency and reliability in logistics, further demonstrating its commitment to the logistics industry. PMV's involvement in these transactions highlights its role in supporting innovations that can impact port operations and logistics efficiency.


14. Vtti


VTTI is a corporate investor based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, specializing in energy storage and critical energy infrastructure development. Founded in 2006, VTTI operates globally with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. In 2017, VTTI acquired a 75% interest in PetroAmerica Terminal, S.A. (PATSA), a terminal in Panama, enhancing their capacity in energy storage and logistics. In 2024, they further expanded their portfolio by acquiring a 70% stake in the Adriatic LNG terminal, valued at approximately €800 million, marking their entry into operational LNG assets. This terminal has a significant regasification capacity, underscoring VTTI's commitment to supporting energy infrastructure and operations at key port facilities.


15. Mainport Innovation Fund


Mainport Innovation Fund II is a venture capital fund based in Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The fund aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable mobility, logistics, and aviation, providing funding and support to startups that create climate impact solutions. They collaborate with major partners like KLM and Schiphol to enhance the success of their portfolio companies. Notable transactions include their investment in SupplyStack, which raised €5 million in a Series A funding round, focusing on logistics solutions. They also invested in We4Sea, which raised funds for maritime solutions, and Undagrid, which is involved in IoT solutions for logistics. These transactions highlight their interest in logistics and related technologies, which are relevant to port operations.


16. TIIN Capital | European Cybersecurity Investors

  • Website: tiincapital.nl
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tiin-capital

TIIN Capital | European Cybersecurity Investors is a venture capital firm based in Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in investing in cybersecurity and IoT security startups, aiming to bridge the funding gap in the European cybersecurity market. Through its European Cyber Tech Fund V, TIIN Capital supports entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in critical tech sectors. Notably, they invested in Certus Automation, a maritime IT security company, which raised €10 million in funding. This investment highlights TIIN Capital's engagement in the port operations context, as Certus focuses on enhancing security in maritime operations. Other transactions include investments in Sendcloud and Chess Payment Technology, which, while not directly related to port operations, showcase TIIN Capital's broader investment strategy in technology-driven companies.


17. Vinci Venture Capital

  • Website: vincivc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vinci-venture-capital

Vinci Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across Europe, with a focus on sectors such as logistics, energy, mobility, and industry 4.0. Vinci VC not only provides capital but also offers strategic support and resources to help startups achieve growth and commercial success. Notably, they have invested in ShipsGo, which raised $500,000 in a seed round in December 2020, indicating their interest in maritime logistics. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in Octovan, a company that raised over $1 million in various funding rounds from 2019 to 2023, further emphasizing their commitment to the logistics sector, which is integral to port operations.



Port Operations Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
BoskalisPapendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19102
Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)Tilburg, North Brabant, Netherlands51-200198310
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
VentureFriendsNetherlands1-1020168
Van OordRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands5001-1000018680
VopakRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands5001-1000019991
MargueriteLuxembourg11-5020100
ICT GroupBarendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands1001-500019780
APM TerminalsThe Hague, South Holland, Netherlands10001+20040
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
VttiRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands1001-500020063
Mainport Innovation FundAmstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020090
TIIN Capital | European Cybersecurity InvestorsNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands1-1019981
Vinci Venture CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020181


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