Together, the partners aim to create an integrated, efficient, and sustainable logistics hub for temperature-controlled food flows in Europe.

The site is divided into four plots. Necron Group will build two large cold storage facilities and an energy hub, while PTP Group will develop a 73,000 m² terminal with multiple berths.

The development is part of the port’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading European agrifood hub. A quay wall of over 500 metres and a protective breakwater will be constructed by the port of Rotterdam to support efficient operations.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority, Necron Group and PTP Group have signed an agreement to develop 38 hectares of logistics infrastructure at the Rotterdam Food Hub in Europoort. The project focuses on the storage and transhipment of chilled and frozen agrifood products and includes a new quay wall, warehouses, terminal facilities, and a dedicated energy supply.

Now, 60 years on, is a fitting moment to reflect on this. The container. More than meets the eye.

Since the first container ship, the MS Fairland, arrived in Rotterdam on 3 May 1966, the logistics system in Europe has changed dramatically: it has become faster, cheaper and more predictable. Today, around 14.2 million containers pass through the port of Rotterdam every year. Behind every container lies a story, from food and medical supplies to components that contribute to sustainable energy.

It is perhaps the most influential object we rarely give it a second though: the container. For 60 years, it has been one of the driving forces behind our society and economy.

Visit the new MAGPIE exhibition at our interactive experience center, Portlantis. The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore how European ports can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, digital and resilient future. MAGPIE is a European innovation project focused on accelerating the transition to climate-neutral ports. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is one of the partners.

What to expect

The exhibition at Portlantis is open to visitors until September.

The exhibition presents a selection of MAGPIE’s most tangible and forward-looking innovations, developed in collaboration with partners across Europe. Using a tablet, you can scan real objects and scale models. The innovations come to life, and you will see how they work and what they mean. Discover how ports are working on cleaner fuels, smarter logistics, advanced digital tools and low-emission transport solutions. Think of smart solutions for peak shaving in heavy lifting operations, autonomous inland shipping, and an offshore charging solution for sea vessels.

From past to future: the story of our port

In this movie, that story comes together. Historical images are interwoven with present-day Rotterdam and projected onto recognisable locations across the city and port. The result is a powerful portrayal of continuity, pride and innovation. The DNA of the port in motion.

With “Connecting the world. Building tomorrow’s sustainable port.” we move forward together every day. Makers, doers and thinkers connect city and port. Past and future.

Rotterdam is a port of generations. From the raw power of the 1950s to today’s innovative and sustainable course, the port continues to reinvent itself. The past forms the foundation for the future, where digitalisation, the energy transition and collaboration take centre stage.

For the fifth time, the World Hydrogen Summit attracted visitors to Rotterdam from across the hydrogen value chain, with attendance reaching 10,000 this year. Rotterdam continues to position itself as Europe's leading hydrogen hub. A key milestone coinciding with the event was the opening of the hydrogen pipeline through the Port of Rotterdam. Following a visit to the summit, King Willem-Alexander performed the official opening ceremony.

For the first time, this year's summit also included dedicated space for companies active in the CC(U)S value chain. The parent organisations behind Porthos — Gasunie, EBN and the Port of Rotterdam Authority — shared a joint stand, where visitors could learn more about the opportunities for CO₂ storage in the Dutch North Sea.

One initiative aimed at accelerating the energy transition by bringing together expertise and scaling up technologies and projects is LAUNCH₂. This new hub and facilitator for organisations across the hydrogen value chain seeking collaboration and breakthrough innovations was officially launched at the Port of Rotterdam stand.

Throughout speeches and presentations, hydrogen was increasingly presented not only as a climate solution, but also as a response to energy security challenges, geopolitical dependencies and industrial competitiveness. One message was clear: acceleration and scaling up are essential.

The press trip concluded with a presentation and Q&A session with Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons, who outlined the port’s strategic direction in a rapidly changing world. 

At the Harbour Coordination Center, operational managers from the Harbour Master’s Division provided insight into the real-time management of shipping, safety and logistics. 

The journalists then visited leading companies and locations across the port. At Neste, they saw the production of renewable fuels, while APM Terminals showcased advanced container terminal automation. Xycle demonstrated how innovative chemical recycling contributes to circularity. 

The programme started with a boat tour on the Nieuwe Maze, the representation vessel of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. During the tour, Mark Dijk (Head of External Affairs) explained the port’s role in global trade flows and outlined the key challenges facing the sector. 

The Port of Rotterdam Authority, together with Rotterdam Partners, hosted a select group of international journalists on 24 and 25 June for a two-day press trip focused on innovation, digitalisation and resilience. The goal? To demonstrate how technology and innovation contribute to a future-proof logistics system, particularly in a time of geopolitical tensions. 

The Port of Rotterdam is where many different interests come together, making the port a regular subject of public debate. The port also faces demonstrations from time to time. The Port of Rotterdam Authority places great value on open dialogue and considers it important to keep businesses in the port informed about developments in this area. 

The Port Authority’s role in demonstrations explained 

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has no role or responsibility in decision-making regarding demonstrations. 

In the Netherlands, the mayor is responsible for safeguarding and facilitating the right to demonstrate under the Public Assemblies Act (Wet openbare manifestaties). Under strict conditions, the mayor may issue instructions during a demonstration. This may include directing demonstrators to a different location or requesting that the police bring a demonstration to an end. 

Demonstrations on roads, waterways, industrial sites or railway infrastructure in the port can unfortunately cause disruption or damage to businesses. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is almost always aware of planned demonstrations and, where necessary, helps ensure the safe and efficient management of road and maritime traffic and supports incident response activities. Safety is our top priority. 

NGO considering legal action against the Port of Rotterdam Authority

In its response, the Port Authority states that it does not agree with this demand and has a different view of its role in the transition towards a climate-neutral port by 2050. For several reasons, the Port Authority is convinced that it is not legally required to compel customers to reduce or phase out fossil-related activities. 

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has been in discussion with the legal NGO Advocates for the Future for some time. Six weeks ago, the Port Authority received a formal notice in which the NGO, based on legislation and case law, demands that the Port Authority adopt phase-out pathways for fossil-related activities in the port and contractually enforce these requirements with its customers.