The maritime community came together at Europort 2025, Rotterdam this week to focus minds on the ideas, innovation, and international collaboration needed by an industry that is simultaneously challenged by accelerating energy transition and digitalisation, financial uncertainty and the test of attracting next generation talent.
The successful 42nd edition of Europort concluded following four intense days of conferences, networking, award ceremonies and high-powered panel discussions that assessed how global forces are reshaping the industry and creating new opportunities. Welcoming over 23,000 visitors from 87 countries, the sold-out exhibition featured 1,100 exhibitors and 13 national pavilions.
Europort officially opened on Tuesday 4 November during an energetic Opening Summit that drew parallels between the turbulent 1920s and today, encouraging industry to find creative ways to navigate the challenges of our age. In an inspiring keynote, Marja van Bijsterveldt, Special Envoy for the Dutch Maritime Industry highlighted the power of reinvention, as part of a session which set the tone for the collaboration and innovation that would take centre stage in the week ahead.
In one example, Damen introduced its latest innovation in cargo vessel design – the Combi Freighter CF-5000 ICE: a new, scalable series of ice-class ships. In another, the world’s first ‘Circular Route’ proved a popular addition to proceedings. Featuring 15 maritime companies, the route showcased real-world examples of circularity and its role in promoting sustainable growth.
"Circularity isn’t just good for the planet,” said Marjolein Boer, Founder of the Maritime Sisters and co-organiser of the Circular Route. "It increases our strategic autonomy and creates commercial advantages. By reducing reliance on scarce materials, we lower costs, unlock new business models, and future-proof our industry.”
Sustainability and energy transition remained high on the agenda, despite the pause put on the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework at the Marine Environment Protection Committee in October. Discussions at a Maritime Technology Forum (MTF) event ran through a comprehensive set of new guidelines covering risk assessments for alternative fuels. Championing a harmonised and practical approach, the guidelines aim to bridge the gap between safety assurance and decarbonisation.
The importance of collaboration was a recurring theme throughout. During an exhibition visit, Dutch caretaker Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Robert Tieman, praised the event’s scale and role in connecting global maritime stakeholders. The Minister also emphasised the role of governments in fostering conditions where businesses can thrive while maintaining focus on sustainability goals.
"We have to keep an eye on our objectives, but also ensure regulations support, rather than hinder, innovation,” Tieman noted, calling for a balanced approach to red tape and a level playing field for all market participants.
Echoing calls for enhanced collaboration, Petra de Groene, Programme Director, Business, Climate, Port and Grid Congestion, Municipality of Rotterdam, commented, “As a crucial hub, the maritime sector is hugely important for Rotterdam - and for future innovation, collaboration is a key element. The city of Rotterdam aims to stimulate cooperation by bringing partners together, including here at Europort where technology companies and other stakeholders can meet.”
On Friday 7 November, the #YoungEuroport events celebrated the next generation and addressed the need to attract talent to the sector. The programme invited students and young professionals to connect with peers and industry leaders, pitch ideas and participate in debates as they explored what the maritime industry has to offer. The final day also concluded the SAFETY4SEA Europort Awards, which recognised organisations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to smarter, greener shipping and nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals.
“This year’s Europort radiated energy and global connection,” said Raymond Siliakus, Europort Director at Rotterdam Ahoy. “In a time of geopolitical tension, it’s inspiring to see so many people from around the world come together to think in opportunities rather than contradictions. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what drives our industry forward.”
Europort will return to Rotterdam 2-5 November 2027
