Friday, October 9, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Netherlands · Country watch

BAM Acquires A.Hak, Rotterdam Port Permits Restored

BAM's acquisition of A.Hak boosts infrastructure sector; Rotterdam port sees permit restrictions lifted, aiding expansion.

The picture Stable

Business conditions in the Netherlands remain stable. BAM's acquisition of A.Hak and the restoration of Rotterdam port permits support growth, while KLM's flight cancellations pose logistical challenges.

In this briefing Port of Rotterdam · Dutch government · KLM · BAM Group · A.Hak

Regulation

  • logistics
  • construction
  • public-sector

Rotterdam port permits restored after nitrogen issue

orange and black industrial machine
Bernd 📷 Dittrich / Unsplash

The Rotterdam port area will soon be able to issue nature permits again, lifting the nitrogen-related restrictions that have hindered expansion, AD.nl reports. The Dutch government has invested in nature restoration, including boosting the rabbit population in nearby dune areas, which has allowed the province to resume granting permits. This development is expected to facilitate new business establishments and expansions within the port, enhancing its capacity for sustainable development.

Impact Logistics and construction companies in the Rotterdam port area gain new opportunities for expansion and sustainability projects.

Sources: AD.nl ↗, Telegraaf.nl ↗

Disruption

  • logistics
  • tourism

KLM cancels flights due to maintenance issues

KLM will proactively cancel several flights due to a higher-than-expected number of aircraft requiring maintenance, NOS.nl reports. The cancellations will occur from October 26 to early March, affecting various routes. KLM is assessing which flights to cancel to minimize impact and may use alternative aircraft for some routes. The airline has not specified the number of flights or destinations affected.

Impact Travelers and logistics firms face potential disruptions and delays due to KLM's flight cancellations over the coming months.

Sources: NOS.nl ↗, nu.nl ↗

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • construction
  • energy
  • logistics

BAM acquires A.Hak for €504 million

BAM, a major Dutch construction company, has acquired A.Hak, a contractor specializing in underground infrastructure, for €504 million, according to NOS.nl. A.Hak is known for its work on heat networks, transport pipelines, and bringing offshore energy ashore, primarily in the Netherlands. This acquisition aims to strengthen BAM's position in the energy and water infrastructure sectors. The deal is expected to enhance BAM's capabilities in sustainable infrastructure development.

Impact Construction and energy firms in the Netherlands see increased competition and capabilities with BAM's expanded infrastructure services.

Sources: NOS.nl ↗, Telegraaf.nl ↗, NU.nl ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Netherlands

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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