ROTTERDAM, 5 September 2025 – The 48th edition of World Port Days opened on Friday morning with a focus on youth and innovation. Highlights included the arrival of a new naval vessel, drone and foilboat demonstrations, and a lively opening day on the Wilhelminapier.
Innovation quay marks official opening
On Friday morning, the final preparations were still underway at the Koninginnenhoofd on the Wilhelminapier. By 10:00 AM, visitors were welcomed by World Port Days director Sabine Bruijnincx, who guided a large delegation along the Innovation Quay (Innovatiekade).
The quay brought together both history and future technologies from the port of Rotterdam, featuring drones, autonomous vehicles and even a historic grain elevator from 1924. Among the guests were mayor Carola Schouten, Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons, and marine corps commander Ivo Moerman. More than 200 students from Rotterdam schools also toured the pavilions of the European Commission and the Port of Rotterdam.
Meanwhile, the Royal Netherlands Navy’s newest vessel, the Den Helder, docked at the Holland Amerikakade. Shortly afterwards the sun broke through, marking the start of a day filled with maritime activity both on the quayside and on the water.
Focus on young people
The first day of World Port Days traditionally centres on youth, and 2025 was no exception. Around 1,500 students attended the MATCH career event, where they explored opportunities with around 50 maritime companies. This year also saw jobseekers from outside the youth bracket and international students taking part, including one participant who travelled from Spain to find work in Rotterdam’s harbour.
At the same time, the World Port Days Hackathon was held at the Plein in the new FENIX migration museum. A record 350 pupils and students worked on creative solutions to pressing port issues. The winning teams will join the sailing ship Oosterschelde during Saturday’s evening show. The vessel recently retraced Charles Darwin’s journey, with young researchers on board studying environmental topics along the way.
Shows on water and in the air
Visitors were also drawn to activities on the water and above the city. Demonstrations included drone displays and The Icon, a foiling yacht. In the Rijnhaven, the Dutch skateboarding championships featured a floating ramp, while the Holland Amerikakade tribune filled with spectators watching demonstrations such as “De Werkers van de Haven,” an emergency exercise, and naval shows.
The day closed with a Friday afternoon gathering at the Food Festival Square, where young hip hop artists from Stichting Levels and DJ Michael Mae performed. With the first day completed, the city now looks forward to a weekend of excursions, ship parades, and the traditional Saturday evening show with fireworks.
Practical information
For the full programme and visitor information, see wereldhavendagen.nl.
Location and directions
The central activities are located around the Wilhelminapier, including the Koninginnenhoofd and Holland Amerikakade. This area lies directly across from the Erasmus Bridge and is easily accessible via metro station Wilhelminaplein, tram lines, or by bicycle.
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