(With extra pictures) SWZ Maritime's editor Hugo Dill was at the Van Ghent naval base for the official kick-off of the World Port Days.
At the kick-off the 2016 theme was revealed: "The Smartest Port".
Sabine Bruijnincx, Director of the World Port Days Foundation: 'In every aspect, the Port of Rotterdam is among the world's best ports. This does not only make it an example others can learn from, but also offers opportunities and support for innovators to succeed. For instance in the area of containers, the (petro) chemical industry, the offshore, rail and (break)bulk and even concerning circularity or the Internet of things. Innovation flows through city and port. This makes Rotterdam not just one of the biggest ports in the world, but also one of the smartest.'
RDM Makers Space
At the kick-off, RDM Makers Space presented four projects: 3D printing, drones (flying and floating for inspection purposes), robotics (for instance used to clean containers that contained hazardous substances) and the Internet of things.
Biggest World Port Days Ever
The World Port Days are set to become even bigger than its predecessors and will take place 2, 3 and 4 September in and around the Rotterdam port. This year, the Rijnhaven will be included in the festivities, which will form the setting for nautical demonstrations. The number of activities will also increase at Katendrecht.
The Port of Rotterdam offers 180,000 jobs with 2400 job openings (mostly technical) every year.
Below some pictures SWZ Maritime editor Hugo Dill took at the World Port Days kick-off. The picture at the top is from the same series. Please click the pop-out link to view the pictures in their proper dimensions.
