In 2025, there were significantly fewer collisions in the Port of Rotterdam than in previous years. 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.
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.
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Nautical safety
2025 was a good year for nautical safety. The number of collisions in the port of Rotterdam fell by 28 per cent, from 148 to 106. The Nautical Safety Index (NSI), which measures the level of safety, rose from 6.1 to 7.8. The fewer incidents, the higher the NSI score.
‘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.’
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New speed limits around the Erasmusbrug
From 1 April 2026, new speed limits will apply around Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge to improve safety. Between the Willemsbrug and the Maastunnel, vessels may sail at a maximum of 50 km/h. In the Erasmus Bridge zone itself — from the Waterbus jetty to the Boompjes radar tower — the limit will be 20 km/h.
The measures follow recommendations by the Dutch Safety Board after several incidents in this busy stretch of the Nieuwe Maas, where pleasure, passenger and commercial traffic mix. Lower speeds aim to reduce differences between vessels and improve reaction time.
Additional rules include mandatory starboard-side sailing and a ban on turning in the Erasmus Bridge zone. These changes are expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2026.
Enforcement and track tool
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.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority is also working on a track tool for the area around the Erasmusbrug. This will allow the organisation 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.
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Pre U-Space for drones
Following drone incidents over critical Dutch and European infrastructure in 2025, the Port of Rotterdam Authority will introduce Pre U-Space in 2026 under the Harbour Master’s leadership — the first step towards a regulated low-level airspace.
This phase includes mandatory registration, access policies and flight authorisation, enabling authorities to act against unregistered drones. Static no-fly zones with specific rules will protect vital areas.
With drone traffic increasing, the port is also investing in detection systems to distinguish authorised drones from potential threats, in cooperation with other authorities. The ultimate goal is a fully digital air traffic system for unmanned aviation, supporting both security and commercial innovation.
New department: Port Security & Resilience
Five years ago, the port’s 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.
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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 an MFM system has been 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 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 case of violations, fines may be issued or the bunker permit may be revoked.
Shore power 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.
Picture by Marco de Swart.
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