Rotterdam Past, Present, and Future: a Global Port-City as the Crossroads

Carola Hein, Andrew Littlejohn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleProfessional

Abstract

Rotterdam is an exceptional port, city, and port-city-territory in many aspects. For many years, it was the world’s busiest port. It remains a major transshipment hub through which commodities enter and exit the EU despite ceding pole position to Chinese competitors. The port thus well-deserves its nickname, ‘the gateway to Europe.’ In 2018, before the global pandemic impacted international trade, some 469 million tons of cargo moved through Rotterdam, ranging from fossil fuels to fruit juices [1]. However, volume of trade alone does not define the port. Rotterdam prides itself on being a frontrunner in technological and
spatial innovation, particularly in areas such as digitalization. Local stakeholders are also working hard to improve the city’s standing as Maritime Capital [2] and Rotterdam’s long history and its resilience remain central to the stories that residents tell about themselves and their city.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages8
JournalPortus
Issue number42
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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