Over 380,000 visitors attended the 49th World Port Days in Rotterdam, showcasing the port's operations despite challenging weather conditions.
The World Port Days, held for the 49th time this year in Rotterdam, Netherlands, welcomed more than 380,000 visitors over three days. The event, which took place from September 4 to 6, saw the stands completely filled, and most of the port tours reached full capacity.
The World Port Days aim to strengthen the connection between the Port of Rotterdam and the city and its community, offering visitors a close-up view of the operations of one of Europe’s largest ports. The event featured ship visits, water shows, port tours, and various coastal activities.
Intense interest despite adverse weather conditions
The first day of the event was affected by adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, around 2,000 young people, students, and job seekers participated in the training and career program held at the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal.
Hundreds of primary and secondary school students also had the opportunity to closely explore the Port of Rotterdam and the maritime sector by participating in the “Havenspeurneuzen” discovery event around the port area.
With the weather improving over the weekend, visitor density increased further along the Nieuwe Maas shores. While the viewing stands were completely filled, all slots for the organized port tours were sold out.
Ships and shows attracted great interest
One of the busiest moments of the event was the show held on Saturday evening. The program, watched by tens of thousands of people, included ship passages, water shows, and various performances.
The performances by dancers and freerunners on a cargo ship garnered significant attention from the audience. The evening program concluded with a fireworks display over the skies of Rotterdam.
The future of the port was also showcased
The World Port Days was not just an event showcasing ships and port operations. The program also conveyed topics shaping the future of the Port of Rotterdam, such as energy transition, digitalization, security, logistics, and sustainability.
Throughout the event, visitors had the opportunity to access certain port areas that are normally not open to the public through special tours. This allowed for a close look at the port's daily operations, as well as its technological transformation and future projects.
Preparations have begun for the 50th World Port Days
At the end of the three days, it was announced that the event was visited by an estimated 380,000 people. Following the successful completion of the 49th edition with high participation, all eyes are now on the 50th World Port Days, which will be held next year.
The 50th edition of the World Port Days is scheduled to take place from September 3 to 5, 2027. The upcoming event is planned to be transformed into a major anniversary celebration for Rotterdam.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
