Europe’s largest port and a hub of modern architecture, Rotterdam drives global trade and innovation.
Rotterdam is located in South Holland, Netherlands, near the mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta and about 30 km from the North Sea. It is Europe’s largest seaport and ranks among the world’s top ten container ports. Rotterdam’s strategic position provides direct access to major European industrial regions, earning it the nickname “Gateway to Europe.” The port handles approximately 14.5 million TEU annually, making it a critical hub for global trade and logistics. Its extensive infrastructure and connectivity reinforce its importance in international shipping and commerce.
Rotterdam’s main facilities include advanced container terminals such as APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, Rotterdam World Gateway, and ECT Delta Terminal, all featuring full automation, unmanned automated stacking cranes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Bulk cargo is handled at EMO Terminal, Europe’s largest for iron ore and coal, while Botlek and Pernis terminals focus on liquid bulk and chemicals. The port also operates Europe’s largest fleet of floating cranes and specialized terminals for breakbulk, LNG, and refrigerated cargo.
Rotterdam operates 14 container terminals strategically located across multiple harbor areas including Maasvlakte and Europoort. The port handled 13.82 million TEUs in 2024, with total annual capacity exceeding 10 million TEUs. The terminals feature 122 jetties and 23 berths on buoys, accommodating both deep-sea and short-sea vessels with depths up to 24 meters. Major operators include APM Terminals and RWG, with ongoing Maasvlakte II expansion expected by 2026 adding approximately 4 million TEUs capacity. Terminals feature varying automation levels supporting 400+ weekly container liner services.
Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, is a global maritime hub with direct deep-sea connections to over 1,000 ports worldwide, serving as a primary gateway between Europe and major markets in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Rhine and Meuse rivers enables seamless multimodal transport—by ship, barge, rail, and road—deep into the European hinterland, including Germany, Switzerland, and France. The port’s advanced infrastructure accommodates the world’s largest vessels and offers efficient, round-the-clock access to global shipping lanes, reinforcing its role as a critical node in international supply chains.
Port of Rotterdam Key Statistics (2025):
