What is he proud of? He answers without hesitation. ‘Together, we make a significant contribution to the functioning of the port of Rotterdam, and that is of enormous importance to the Netherlands and Europe,’ René says.

It is precisely that combination of history, scale and daily responsibility that makes his work so exceptional. From a port of a few quays to the largest port complex in Europe, the role of Harbour Master may be centuries old, yet its importance remains as relevant as ever.

One moment when everything comes together for the public is during the World Port Days. René observes: ‘It is, in a sense, a carnival on the water. Large and small vessels criss-cross one another right by the Erasmus Bridge, while visitors watch from the quay.’

What is primarily a spectacle for the audience demands the utmost precision behind the scenes. ‘Over the course of three days, you see the enormous port complex— spanning dozens of kilometres — condensed into just a few square kilometres,’ René explains. ‘And everything is carefully orchestrated to ensure it proceeds safely.’

In this way, the World Port Days offer a compact reflection of what the Harbour Master’s Division represents on a daily basis: maintaining an overview, managing risks and ensuring that, no matter how busy, operations continue to run smoothly.

The role of Harbour Master dates back almost five hundred years. As early as the sixteenth century, the city council appointed the first Harbour Master in Rotterdam, at a time when the port extended only as far as the Boerengat and the Leuvenhaven.

‘The port was much smaller then,’ René explains. ‘But in essence the work has remained the same: ensuring the safe and efficient handling of shipping. What has changed drastically over the centuries is the scale. What once began with a single harbour master has evolved into a modern division of around 400 colleagues, supported by high-tech systems, radar, harbour patrol boats and round-the-clock operations. Yet the core remains recognisable: maintaining an overview, managing risks and ensuring that the port can continue to function safely, day in, day out.’ René continues: ‘It is precisely at moments when everything comes together that this essence becomes most apparent. When shipping is closely spaced, the pace intensifies and public attention grows, it becomes clear how crucial direction and collaboration are within the Harbour Master’s Division.’

When we ask René if he can tell us something about a day in the life of the Harbour Master, he doesn't have to think for long.

‘Perhaps a disappointing answer, but it involves a great many meetings,’ René says with a laugh. Yet as soon as he is out on the water with colleagues, his work truly comes to life. Especially at night: ‘Then you see how the port just keeps going, as if there were no day or night.’

‘What all falls under the Harbour Master’s Division?’ René summarises: ‘The Harbour Coordination Centre (HCC) is the beating heart of planning. The VTS operators are based in the Rotterdam Traffic Centre (Botlek) and the Hoek van Holland Traffic Control Centre; these colleagues guide traffic via radar and VHF. Then there is Shipping Inspection & Safety, with teams on harbour patrol boats handling incidents. Port Security monitors port security and compliance with the ISPS Code. Finally, Support & Policy oversees legal frameworks, nautical policy and public reporting.’

In a calm and level-headed manner, (State) Harbour Master René de Vries talks about the Harbour Master’s Division and his role in a position that has existed for nearly five centuries.

Together with around 400 colleagues, he is responsible for the safety and smooth handling of shipping in one of the busiest ports in the world. ‘It is a fantastic honour to be Harbour Master of the largest port in Europe. For someone who loves boats, this is an amazing job.’ René is not only Harbour Master of Rotterdam, but also Harbour Master for the Rijnmond region.