HAPPENING 4–6 SEP 2026 | World Port Days (Wereldhavendagen) in Rotterdam is the largest annual maritime event in the Netherlands. It features numerous activities on the quay, demonstrations on the water and excursions that go deeper into the harbour. In addition, there is an extensive cultural program in the city. World Port Days is known to draw upwards of around 400,000 visitors.
World Port Days Rotterdam 2026
The 49th World Port Days takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026, with the Nieuwe Maas beside the Erasmus Bridge once again serving as the main stage. The programme now includes three days of maritime demonstrations, activities on the quays, cultural events and around 65 bookable excursions and boat trips.
Most of World Port Days is free to visit, including the shows on the water, activities on the quays, the Cultural Square, food areas, Rotterdam Makers Market and the Saturday evening show. Tickets are required for excursions and boat trips, with places limited and some popular activities likely to sell out.
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Focus on innovation and inclusion
For 2026, World Port Days is again putting extra emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. De Zonnebloem has been named the official charity for the 49th edition. Its adapted passenger ship, MPS de Zonnebloem, will be open to visitors at the Westerkade, giving you a chance to see how the vessel is designed for people with a physical disability.
The MATCH Career Event is also set to return, offering students, young professionals and jobseekers a look at career opportunities in the port. Innovation, sustainability, safety and the energy transition remain central themes, as the event shows how the Rotterdam port is changing and why it continues to matter to the Netherlands and Europe.
World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie
Challenges and solutions of the future
During the World Port Days, young and old can discover why the port of Rotterdam is such a special place. Every day, countless professionals use smart technology to manage the import and export of hundreds of tonnes of goods, containers and ships in a clean, efficient and safe manner. Innovative start-ups and multinationals work here on the sustainable solutions of the future. It is a dynamic, diverse and inclusive place, where there are career opportunities for everyone. Special flora and fauna, protected nature areas and walking and cycling routes also make the port a liveable neighbour for Rotterdam and a green attraction for lovers of nature and recreation on and around the water.
At the same time, the world around us is changing. Brexit and the COVID-19 crisis showed that the global trade in raw materials and goods is vulnerable. Currently, the world is experiencing the consequences of the war in Ukraine. These are major challenges for the port of Rotterdam, which is already in transition. For example, the port wants to emit 55% less CO2 by 2030 and be completely emission-free by 2050. In the years to come, thousands of new people will be needed to fill the vacancies associated with the energy transition and digitalization of the port.
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World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie
New shows on the Nieuwe Maas
The Nieuwe Maas becomes a three-day maritime stage during World Port Days. Familiar favourites return, including demonstrations by the Royal Netherlands Navy, tugboats, pilots and supply vessels, while the Maasrace rowing competition also takes place on the river.
Several shows make their debut in 2026. The official opening on Friday 4 September includes an NH90 naval helicopter landing on frigate Zr.Ms. Van Amstel. A fast RIB and two inflatable kraka jet boards from the Royal Netherlands Navy will also deliver the World Port Days and partner flags to the Cruise Terminal.
A new Innovation Show takes place every day, featuring smart ships and cargo drones. World Port Days also marks 60 years of the shipping container with a show involving a 135-metre COSCO inland vessel. Friday finishes with a special programme introducing young visitors to careers in the Rotterdam port.
Saturday evening show
Saturday 5 September brings the traditional World Port Days evening show to the Nieuwe Maas. The programme combines an illuminated ship parade with projections across the Rotterdam skyline, live performances and the closing fireworks display.
A COSCO inland vessel will serve as a floating stage during the show. Rotterdam DJ Misz Rocha provides the music, while Lloydscompany presents a performance combining port culture, hip-hop and multicultural Rotterdam. Gymnasts and freerunners from Sportbedrijf Rotterdam will also perform, and event charity De Zonnebloem will be featured during the evening.
The evening show is free. The Holland Amerikakade grandstand offers one of the best views, and large digital screens on the quays will also show the action. An accessible viewing platform is available at Holland Amerikakade. The organisers expect the waterfront to become particularly busy and recommend arriving well before 21:00 if you want a good place.
Tickets, excursions and boat trips
Most activities at World Port Days are free, but around 65 excursions and boat trips require advance tickets. These include visits to parts of the port normally closed to the public, boat tours, walking and cycling excursions and trips to companies and terminals around the Rotterdam port.
The programme includes visits connected to Maasvlakte II, Europoort and Pernis, as well as experiences closer to the city centre. Visitors can discover subjects ranging from automated container terminals and hydrogen to port safety, historic ships, urban farming and the transformation of Rijnhaven.
Tickets are now on sale via https://wereldhavendagen.nl/programma/. Capacity is limited and World Port Days warns that popular excursions and boat trips regularly sell out quickly.
World Port Days Rotterdam by Anne Reitsma Fotografie 004
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Main location: Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam area
Rijnhaven and Katendrecht event zone
This year, Rijnhaven becomes part of the official event terrain. Located between Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht, it is easily accessible via metro station Rijnhaven or Wilhelminaplein. From there, visitors can reach the Fenixloods and FENIX museum on foot. The area is known for its transformation from industrial port to residential neighbourhood with green public spaces.
World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie
