Dutch military conducts security exercise at Moerdijk port

Approximately 80 soldiers from the 30 Infantry Battalion of the National Reserve are conducting a large-scale security exercise at the Moerdijk industrial port in the Netherlands. The drill, coordinated by Battalion Commander Pascal Limpens, simulates a scenario where allied powers transit military equipment through the country, requiring the port to be secured against external interference.

The exercise involves cooperation between the military, the municipality of Moerdijk, the Port of Moerdijk, and local emergency services. Participants are practicing how to maintain security and respond to crisis situations, such as fires during unloading operations, while ensuring that regular port activities continue undisturbed. The reservists, who hold civilian jobs in sectors like education and justice, are sleeping in shipping containers and patrolling the area to simulate real-world deployment conditions.

Mayor Aart-Jan Moerkerke emphasized the importance of the exercise, noting that it helps various agencies build trust and learn how to coordinate effectively during a crisis. The drill highlights the role of Dutch ports as critical hubs for host nation support during international military transits.