Maritime

A safe, healthy and appealing port

Being the fifth-largest exporter of goods in the world, the Netherlands occupies a prominent position when it comes to world trade, and the Port of Rotterdam counts as Europe’s most prominent port. Given that global trade is increasing, Rotterdam has to take responsibility in managing port growth in a sustainable and responsible manner by ensuring that the port and its environs are safe, healthy and appealing.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

We aim to counter climate change while ensuring that the port area makes a significant contribution to Dutch prosperity and employment. With a wide variety of activities within port boundaries, the Port of Rotterdam plays an important role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe

Cruise ships at Wilhelminapier Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe
© Ries van Wendel de Joode

Rotterdam recognises that organic growth alone cannot secure a strong future for our port, shipping, offshore activities and industry. Our future prosperity depends increasingly on smart and innovative solutions. So the city and the port of Rotterdam have joined forces to create an environment in which innovative businesses can flourish and grow. Rotterdam is taking steps to establish itself as a leader in autonomous navigation, blockchain applications, the circular economy, smart materials, innovative offshore construction and many other fields. In doing so we once again attract ambitious pioneers and revolutionaries, like those who have built the city in the past.

Investing in innovation

By investing in hotspots such as our city, our port and industry clusters, Rotterdam has surged into the lead in the race against its global peers. We are implementing the transition to a carbon neutral economy at a faster rate than most other large ports. Our success is based on well-organised transition roadmaps, intensive field-testing of each and every innovation, knowledge sharing and partnerships between start-ups and industry giants.

The pages listed below provide more information about maritime start-ups and scale-ups in the port of Rotterdam, and more information about what we have achieved with our efforts in the port so far.

List of news-items

  • Reporting cybercrime

    Any form of cybercrime is punishable. For example, spreading viruses and other malware, phishing, identity fraud, invoice fraud, CEO fraud, and ransomware. Always report cybercrime to the police. You may also need to notify other organisations, depending on the type of cybercrime you are a victim of.

    Themes:
    • Digital
  • Rotterdam: Innovation Capital of Europe in 2026?

    Rotterdam is in the running to win the prestigious title of ‘European Capital of Innovation’ by the end of this year. This honorable award would not only be a great…

    Themes:
    • Innovation
  • Subsidy for Clean and Zero Emission Construction Equipment (SSEB)

    Do you own a construction company, or do you rent out construction equipment? You can apply for the Subsidy for Clean and Zero Emission Construction Equipment (Schoon en Emissieloos Bouwmaterieel,…

    Themes:
    • Mobility