World Port Days Rotterdam 2023

Challenges and solutions of the future

Programme 2023
During the World Port Days 2023, taking place on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd September, dozens of harbour companies will set up stands on the quays, showcasing a plethora of activities.
Daytime Activities:
- Visitors have the opportunity to board a variety of ships, including a 200-metre vessel from the container giant, Maersk, docked at Wilhelminakade.
- Mourik, an infrastructure and industrial company, will display innovative technical gadgets at Parkkade, including a clean excavator powered by hydrogen.
- HEBO Maritiemservice's remarkable crane ship at the Holland Amerikakade will be seen working on bridges and locks, and also lifting super yachts in and out of the water.
- At Veerhaven, attendees can discover Seabubbles: cutting-edge, silent hydrofoil boats designed to offer an eco-friendly solution to urban traffic congestion by transporting individuals from point A to B via waterways.
- The Royal Marines will kick off the show programme on Friday, 1st September at 10 am with a parachute landing. All participating ships will also give a nautical salute by simultaneously sounding their horns.
- The Royal Navy will conduct daily demonstrations, including anti-piracy and submarine combat exercises.
- P&O ferries will demonstrate the intricate process of turning a large ship on the river, highlighting the precision required in navigation.
Special Saturday Evening Show:
- This year's Saturday evening show introduces a unique segment: ‘Lights for Sophia’. Ships in the parade will be illuminated in honour of the Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, with patients from the hospital participating in the show.
- Dutch sensation, Emma Heesters, known for her YouTube covers with over 5.5 million followers, will perform during the evening show from the middle of the Maas river. Her chart-topping tracks like ‘Waar Ga Je Heen’ and ‘Loop Niet Weg’ will echo across the waters.
- The evening will culminate in a grand fireworks display, launched from a pontoon near the Erasmus Bridge.
Races and Competitions:
- Every day, four electric E1 RaceBirds will compete against each other on the water, reaching speeds of up to 93km/h. At the E1 quay stand on Kop van Zuid, visitors can delve into this sustainable racing method and even try out an E1 race simulator.
- On Saturday, the Maasrace sloops will compete against each other, with the Dutch Marine Rowing challenge finishing under the Erasmus Bridge. The Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team will compete on both Friday and Sunday.
Markets and Catering:
- The nautical market makes its return to the quays.
- New additions include nine catering squares, ensuring visitors have a plethora of dining options.
Tickets
Almost the entire programme of the Wereldhavendagen is free to visit. Exceptions are the excursions and boat trips, for which ticket sales begin on 14 August 2023 at 12:00. It is already possible to order tickets for the day cruise of P&O ferries on the website of the Wereldhavendagen. Pre-registration is also necessary for the programme in the halls of MATCH (not for the job market).
Location: Erasmus Bridge Rotterdam area
World Port Days Rotterdam 📷 Anne Reitsma Fotografie