Damen joins Rotterdam sustainable port project

The programme, which is due to be launched in March, will aim to strengthen Rotterdam’s port innovation environment and help secure the sustainable growth of the port-related industry.

“With this project we draw more innovative activity into the region and show what our world-class port has to offer. We want to be the smartest and most innovative port in the world,” said Paul Smits, Port of Rotterdam CEO.

He added: “With PortXL we further strengthen the innovation ecosystem in our port and enable ourselves to scout startups. By connecting the startups with reputable companies, we introduce them to a vast network of industry experts.”

PortXL’s backing will allow start-ups to chart both new markets and the game changer arenas, which are essential for the sustainable growth of the Rotterdam port economy.

The Rotterdam Port Authority has teamed up with more than 150 mentors and over 200 investors, corporate partners and sponsors for the PortXL programme.

“We will wholeheartedly support this programme, hoping that start-ups that are relevant to our business will emerge from it,” said, René Berkvens, Damen CEO.

“We will coach and supervise the Maritime Industries cluster, one of a total of four sectors, in addition to Transport & Logistics, Energy and the Petrochemical industry. We will furthermore assess a number of start-ups ourselves.”

“The most important element, however, is that through our participation we’re able to contribute to the continued development of the Dutch maritime industries,” Mr Berkvens concluded.