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

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.