Photography: Anne Reitsma
From impressive naval ships to floating innovations: the program offers familiar crowd pullers, but also spectacular new elements. Along the quays, visitors are taken through various maritime worlds, inviting them to discover a different side of the Port of Rotterdam each time.
Classics alternated with new hotspots
The fixed highlights of the World Port Days are of course back on the program. Think of the Match Career Event on Friday, September 5, for anyone curious about a career in the port. There will also be a large variety of ships along the quays, you can book boat trips and excursions (starting August 18), spectacular shows will take place on the water, and the fireworks show on Saturday evening will not be missed.
There is certainly no shortage of impressive ships: at the Holland Amerikakade, for example, you can board the impressive, 111-meter-long work pontoon HEBO-CB 1. At the Parkkade, the sea vessel Sefarina from Chemgas and the emergency tug Guardian from the Coast Guard and Multraship are docked.
The Innovation Quay is also back, where numerous companies showcase how they are building the port of the future. At the Safety Square, impressive shows and interactive stands all focus on resilience, emergencies, and crisis management in the port. Finally, the Royal Navy is of course present with the marine village, various ships, and the new supply ship CSS Den Helder, which visits Rotterdam for the first time and is open to visitors all weekend!
Spectacle in the Rijnhaven
Interestingly, the World Port Days are significantly expanding this year: the quays around the Fenix warehouse and the new FENIX museum are part of the official event area for the first time. Among other things, the charity of the World Port Days, the Sea Rangers, are here with their sailing work ship. Be sure to check out how they are committed to marine restoration.
The adjacent Rijnhaven is currently transforming from the working harbor it once was to a lively and green urban area. During the Saturday and Sunday of the World Port Days, this area will focus on livability and relaxation. There is a fire hose for children, visitors can rent a SUP, canoe, kayak, or water bike, and there is a spectacular floating skate ramp.
Sabine Bruijnincx, director of the World Port Days: "The Port of Rotterdam is a crucial engine for the Netherlands and Europe. I am therefore very proud that for this 48th edition of the World Port Days we can present a program that truly shows why the Port of Rotterdam is leading in terms of innovation, sustainability, energy transition, and opportunities for young people and newcomers. At the same time, we do not forget our loyal visitors who just want to stroll along the beautiful quays and enjoy all the maritime spectacle. We are going to make it an unforgettable edition again!"
More information
The program can now be found at www.wereldhavendagen.nl/program. In the coming weeks, a few new components will be added here, such as the show program.
The ticket sales for the excursions and boat trips of the World Port Days start on Monday, August 18 at 12:00 PM. Mark it in your calendar!
