In 2025, the focus of the Rotterdam Harbour Master’s Division was largely on resilience due to the geopolitical tensions at play. 2025 was also a year of preparing for the speed limits imposed around the Erasmusbrug. There were significantly less collisions in 2025 than in previous years.

In 2025, the number of seagoing vessels calling at the port of Rotterdam fell slightly, from 27,617 to 27,384. However, the number of inland vessels increased from 91,356 to 93,680.

Nautical safety

2025 was a good year for nautical safety. The number of collisions in the port of Rotterdam fell by 28 percent, from 148 to 106. The Nautical Safety Index (NSI), which measures the level of safety, rose from 6.1 to 7.8. The fewer the incidents, the higher the NSI score.

Credit: Marco de Swart.

“In spite of the increased safety in the water, this is not a time to celebrate,” says State Harbour Master, René de Vries. “In 2025, three people died and two people were seriously injured in non-nautical occupational accidents in the port area. These incidents fall outside of the scope of the Harbour Master’s Division but, of course, had a serious impact.”

New speed limits around the Erasmusbrug from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, there are new speed limits in place for all vessels in the area around the Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) in Rotterdam. In the approach to this zone, from around the Willemsbrug, up to the Maastunnel, you will be able to sail a maximum of 50 kilometres per hour. In the Erasmusbrug zone from the Waterbus jetty to the radar tower at Boompjes, the speed limit will be 20 kilometres per hour. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is amending the law. Harbour Master René de Vries will impose the same speed limit for all shipping traffic in the zones with a traffic decision.

This measure is a response to the recommendations of the Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid) and a nautical risk analysis, following several incidents in recent years. The aim is to make one of the more complex areas along the Nieuwe Maas safer. In this area, pleasure, passenger and commercial vessels sail alongside each other, often at different speeds and with different sailing patterns. By reducing the speed differences, skippers have better oversight and enough time to react.

The new speed limits around the Erasmusbrug from 1 April 2026. Credit: Port of Rotterdam Authority

As well as the speed limit, other rules are being implemented. For instance, in the Erasmusbrug zone, it will be mandatory to sail on the starboard side of the water, which includes a ban on turning. The new rules are expected to come into force in the second quarter of 2026.

Enforcement along the Nieuwe Maas

The enforcement of this new speed limit falls under the responsibility of the harbour master and the Seaport Police. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is installing signs to clearly demarcate the new zone and approach areas. The special investigating officers of the Harbour Master’s Division will use (laser) equipment to check speed. The speed limit is relative to the velocity of the Nieuwe Maas. This is taken into consideration in the enforcement.

Track Tool

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is also working on a track tool for the area around the Erasmusbrug. This will allow us to visually map the speeds and sailing patterns of vessels. This makes it easier to see whether vessels are keeping to the starboard side and sailing within the speed limit.

Pre U-Space for drones

The incidents involving drones flying over critical Dutch and European infrastructure in 2025 bring into focus the need for a safe low-level airspace. Therefore, in 2026, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, under the leadership of the Harbour Master, is taking an important step with the implementation of Pre U-Space: the first phase towards a fully regulated low-level airspace.

State Harbour Master René de Vries. Credit: Ernst Bode

This phase involves registration, access policy and authorisation of drone flights, so authorities are better equipped to take action against unregistered drones. In addition, static zones for unmanned aircraft will be created, with specific rules to protect vital areas.

“We cannot be naive,” says René de Vries. “Incidents involving underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and unwanted drone flights above critical infrastructure in Europe make it clear that physical security and cybersecurity are crucial for the port of Rotterdam. Due to major geopolitical changes, we must continue to invest in resilience. Not out of fear, but out of responsibility.”

Distinguishing friend from foe

With the growth of commercial and state drone traffic, the need for overview and resilience is growing. Therefore, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is not only investing in regulation but also in drone detection and systems that allow us to distinguish friend from foe. These measures will be implemented in close collaboration with other competent authorities.

The ultimate ambition is a fully digital air traffic system for drone and other unmanned flights. This is important both for security, as well as innovative commercial drone services.

New department: Port Security & Resilience

Five years ago, our main concern was organised crime and drug crime, but today hybrid threats like espionage and sabotage require a broad, all hazard approach. In 2025, the Harbour Master’s Division invested in resilience with launch of the Port Security & Resilience department.

This department is responsible for matters such as policy development, risk management, planning and measures to protect shipping and the port area, but also the Port of Rotterdam Authority itself.

Mass Flow Meter

In 2025, the final preparations were made for the implementation of the requirement of bunker ships to have a mass flow meter (MFM) based on the applicable bunker permit. From 1 January 2026, the use of a Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system will be mandatory when delivering fuel oil, diesel and biofuels in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges. This MFM system measures precisely how much fuel is transferred from the bunkering vessel to the sea-going vessel.

The duties of the Harbour Master. Credit: Port of Rotterdam Authority

The aim is to make the bunker market in both ports more reliable, efficient and transparent. Research by CE Delft and others has confirmed that there are structural quantity discrepancies in the bunker market. It is mandatory to use a certified MFM. A copy of the certificate must be presented to the Harbour Master. In the case of violations, fines may be issued or the bunker permit may be revoked.

Shore power obligation for public inland vessel berths as of 2027

In addition, the Harbour Master of Rotterdam is working on a shore power obligation for the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s public inland vessel berths in the urban port area. In 2010, the port of Rotterdam enforced a generator ban as a local solution to reduce emissions, since there was no equivalent national legislation. As of January 2025, the Inland Waterways Police Regulations provide for the implementation of a shore power obligation.

To ensure uniformity within the regulations, the Harbour Master of Rotterdam is preparing a shore obligation for the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s public berths in the urban port area. The shore power obligation is set to come into force on 1 January 2027. The exact date of the entry into force depends on the process of replacing the current shore power cabinets.
Source: Port of Rotterdam