Discover Rotterdam, leading European maritime city

Rotterdam – the smartest port in the world

Rotterdam is not only the largest port in Europe, it is also the world’s smartest port. It has set ambitious goals with specific attention on sustainability and it’s pioneering in innovations. This focus and transition naturally creates many new business opportunities. The Dutch maritime industry actively shares these ambitions with objectives to build 30 emission-free ships by 2030. 

Why choose Rotterdam to set up your maritime business?

Our strategically located city has an excellent logistics infrastructure and accessibility. Rotterdam can proudly call itself the leading European maritime city. Here, you will find international companies offering a full spectrum of maritime business services, including:

• logistics
• offshore operations
• shipbuilding
• maintenance
• transshipment 

Our robust maritime community and renowned universities drive innovation. Rotterdam is an entrepreneurial city encouraging companies to develop, research, test and adopt innovations. Our region is home to essential innovation hubs and collaborations, such as the Buccaneer and PortXL.

Start or grow your business in Rotterdam´s maritime industry

Whether you want to set up or rapidly grow your maritime business (please also check our International Trade page) or organise an event, Rotterdam Partners is your starting point.  We will share our broad expertise and network, dedicated guidance and up-to-date knowledge.

Photo credits: Danny Cornelissen, Port of Rotterdam, Gerhard van Roon Kunst & Vliegwerk, Ossip van Duivenbode, Guido Pijper