The Port of Rotterdam (Port Code: NLRTM) is the largest seaport in Europe located in and near the city of Rotterdam, in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. Covering 105 square kilometres, the port of Rotterdam now stretches over a distance of 40 kilometres. It is located in the middle of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta. Rotterdam has five port concessions (ports) within its boundaries - operated by separate companies under the overall authority of Rotterdam. Rotterdam consists of five distinct port areas and three distribution parks that facilitate the needs of a hinterland with over 50,000,000 consumers throughout the continent of Europe. The largest ships in the world can enter the harbor directly from the sea - ships drawing up to 24 meters. Rotterdam is far and away the most important trading point for mineral oil in Europe. Millions of tons of oil arrive every year. About half of it is shipped on to the Rhur district and to Antwerp and the other half is processed directly at the port. Almost all oil companies have refineries at the port and large consumers like Frankfurt Airport in Germany are directly connected to Rotterdam through their own pipelines. Due to the mineral oils and chemicals handled there, strictest safety regulations are in use since 1.2 million people are living directly at the side of the port.