Rotterdam Harbor is expanding into the sea. A new offshore port is accessible for the largest ships in the world. Ships that measure up to 400 meters and ships that can lift a drilling platform out of the sea. This new port is called “Maasvlakte 2”. The first part of Maasvlakte started in 1969 and completed in 1973 when the first ships entered the new harbor. The start of the second Maasvlakte was in 2008, the expectation is that it will be completed in 2033.
Visit a Port below sea level in Rotterdam, Maasvlakte 2
Rotterdam harbor is the heart of the Dutch economy. And it is quite something. We drove 50 kilometers from the east of Rotterdam to the beach (!) at the port mouth. Not a typical scenic tourist trail. I only saw factory terrains. Chemical and Petrochemical plants. Shipping companies and Coal terminals. It went on and on. If you like industrial landscapes put this on your bucket list. If you only want to see the new port on the sea and avoid the industrial zone we tell you to take a boat trip from the center of Rotterdam. Or, even better, rent a bike at the railway station of “Hoek van Holland” take a Fast Ferry, and cycle around the harbor.
Future Land Information Center on Maasvlakte Rotterdam
Future land is the starting point for boat- and bus tours through the harbor. It is the best and only place in the seaport for traditional Dutch soup (Today they serve: “Snert”) or hot chocolate and apple pie. And we do need a hot cup of soup desperately because our visit is on a slightly foggy winter’s day.
At the Information Center, we visit the permanent exhibition showing e.g. archaeological finds from the bottom of the North Sea and a detailed history of the creation of the “Maasvlakte”.
➔ READ MORE – Visit the free information center Future land at the Maasvlakte
How to reclaim land from the sea
In Future land, you will be encouraged to operate computer simulations and you will learn about techniques used to gain land from the sea. You will get insight into the combinations of modern and old techniques being used to build a lasting port for the 22nd century. You might get obsessed with a computerized system for offloading a container vessel. Moreover, you can get insight into the future of this environmentally friendly evolution of a port.
Maasvlakte Rotterdam welcomes world’s largest container ship.
The Maasvlakte was constructed by two of the world’s largest (Dutch) dredging companies: Boskalis en Van Oord in a partnership called PUMA. Rotterdam is the largest harbor in Europe. The gateway to the EU. The harbor’s central canal is 600 meters wide and 20 meters deep. This port offers access to the world’s largest existing container ships. Vessels carrying up to 19 244 containers are processed fully automated. Computer-controlled stacking cranes and automated guided vehicles transport the containers to a storage place; overload containers to smaller ships and arrange the start of inland transport by train and lorry. On the quay, there are no people. The hybrid automated vehicles find their way to the docking station on their own when batteries are low. I only saw a few surveillance cars driving around. Besides that, there was no sign of human activity.
➔ READ MORE – The arrival of the biggest container ship in the harbor of Rotterdam
World Port Days Rotterdam
World Port Days Rotterdam is an annual event in Rotterdam, Netherlands, that showcases the city’s bustling port and maritime industry. It provides a unique opportunity for the public to learn about the port’s operations, maritime technology, and environmental sustainability. The event features ship tours, exhibitions, demonstrations, and various activities related to the maritime sector. World Port Days is a celebration of Rotterdam’s status as one of the world’s largest and busiest ports, offering insight into its economic and cultural significance. At World Port Days, great ships enter the port of Rotterdam. It is a grand event that attracts yearly more than 400,000 visitors. The World Port Days are on the first weekend of September.
On September 4th, 2021 the biggest container ship “Ever Ace” arrived at Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam at the ECT Delta terminal (south side) in the Amazone harbor. This grand container ship has a length of 400 m and a beam of 61 m with a capacity of 23,992 TEU.
➔ READ MORE – World Harbor Days Rotterdam – Wereld Havendagen Rotterdam
Maasvlakte great dunes and beaches
Wonderful new beaches and dunes for recreation have been created on the Maasvlakte. on the Maasvlakte on the beach and in the dunes you can take fantastic walks, sunbathe, swim and enjoy the peace and quiet. If there is space and a quiet beach anywhere it is on the Maasvlakte. Plenty of room to fish, surf, and fly kites. Part of the beach is reserved for nude recreation. So there is plenty of space for everyone. And the beach is easily accessible and there is plenty of parking.
➔ READ MORE – Everything you need to know about the beaches on Maasvlakte
Fossils at reclaimed land of Maasvlakte
Maasvlakte 1 and 2 are extensive reclaimed land. The country consists of reclaimed sand from, among other things, the North Sea. A wealth of fossils, including mammoth teeth, bones and molars, along with remains of other ancient mammals, are found every day. How interesting is this, explore this dynamic landscape where history and nature come together and with every discovery offers a glimpse into the distant past.
Discover a fossil? Report it on the website of Museum Naturalis. Your find could be a valuable piece of the Dutch history!
➔ READ MORE – Make notice of your discovery here at Oervondstchecker
How to get from Rotterdam airport to Maasvlakte
- Public transport: If you want to go straight from Rotterdam Airport to Maasvlakte 1 we advise you to take bus 33 to “Berghaven Hoek van Holland” where you catch the Fast Ferry to Maasvlakte 1. Put this tour on your bucket list. The ferry takes you through the port mouth of Rotterdam with its intensive shipping traffic. It is awesome.
- To travel by bus or train in Holland, in general, we advise you to buy an “OV-Chipcard”. This card is available in the Arrival Hall of the airport.
- By car or bicycle: navigate to “Berghaven at Hoek van Holland”.
➔ READ MORE – GetYourGuide Harbor tour Rotterdam Maasvlakte
Getting around the port of Rotterdam
- From the center of town: In July and August, you can take a day trip by boat to the Maasvlakte. The boats sail every day. The rest of the year the boats sail at random. If you want more information call the Company Spido: 010 – 275 99 88.
- Navigating to Visitor Center Future land: You navigate to Europaweg 902, 3199 LC Maasvlakte, Rotterdam, Havennummer 8360. Reservations: +31 (0)10 252 252 0
- From Hoek van Holland: Take a train from wherever you are in Holland to “Berghaven Hoek van Holland”. Rent a bicycle at the railway station in Hoek van Holland. Then take the Fast Ferry – with your bike – to Antarticaweg on the Maasvlakte. From there it is a 5 km ride to the visitor center Future Land.
- From Futureland: Boat trip and bus ride through the port. Usually leaving at 13.30 hours. Not on Monday and Saturday. Reservations: +31 (0)10 252 252 0
Where to have lunch or dinner at Maasvlakte
On the Maasvlakte, this reclaimed land, you’ll find a variety of dining options, from restaurants and pavilions to snack bars, also known as “friettenten.” You’re in for a treat with delicious eats here, but it’s advisable to book your restaurant ahead of time for a seamless experience.
Where to stay near the Maasvlakte
➔ READ MORE – Book here one of the best Hotels in Rotterdam – Stayokay Rotterdam
or
➔ READ MORE – Book here one of the best Hotel in The Hague – Stayokay Den Haag
2 Comments
Hi Joop, is there any nice spot for photos near Maasvlakte? Our vessel is docking tomorrow.
Too bad, I missed you Pj. I do hope you enjoyed your visit to Rotterdam.