Biofuel factory put under tightened supervision in Rotterdam after several incidents

The province of Zuid-Holland has put Neste, a biofuel factory in the port of Rotterdam, under tightened supervision after several incidents. According to Zuid-Holland, "many (serious) violations" have occurred over the last few years at the company, which produces, among other things, sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.

Zuid-Holland put the refinery on the Maasvlake under tightened supervision after being advised to do so by the DCMR, the province's environmental service in the Rijnmond area. One consequence of this is that the company will receive more inspections.

Neste will also have to explain in a plan of approach how they will structurally improve their compliance with the rules and how the company will change their approach from "reactive to proactive." In addition to Neste, the refineries of BP in Rotterdam and Chemours in Dordrecht will also be under tightened supervision.

DCMR already issued Neste a so-called order subject to penalty, which is a fine collected when certain offenses are committed again. According to the DCMR, the company received this order because it emitted more substances than was permitted and did not take enough measures to prevent severe accidents.

"The company has had a reactive approach on many occasions, and DCMR does not have confidence that the situation will be improved in the short term without more serious intervention," Zuid-Holland representative Meindert Stolk (supervision and enforcement, CDA) said.

The Finnish company wrote that constructive conversations are taking place between them and the DCMR and that they are working hard on implementing the measures of the action plan. "Neste is fully committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and ensuring the safety of employees, the surrounding area, and the environment."

Neste currently produces around 1.4 million tons of renewable products annually in Rotterdam. The company has spent around two billion euros on expanding the refinery, which will lead to production rising to 2.7 million tons a year.