The Dutch state is considering taking a stake in the companies which run Dutch sea ports because of their importance to the economy and job creation.

The national government already has a 30% stake in Rotterdam port and is considering doing the same with Amsterdam and Moerdijk, news agency ANP reports. Both Amsterdam and Moerdijk are owned by their local authorities.

The plan outlines key points for action between now and 2016 and has been worked out together with the five port authorities and other interest groups. The aim is to tackle the ‘urgent challenges’ facing the sector.

Infrastructure minister Melanie Schultz says Dutch sea ports have an important position in Europe but have to deal with serious international competition. Some 600 million tonnes of goods passed through Dutch sea ports last year and they are responsible for 395,000 jobs.

This important role in the Dutch economy justifies a greater role for national government in the ports, the report states. This includes looking at whether new government participation in the ports would be ‘opportune’.