During 2024 Cruise Port Rotterdam hosted 131 cruise ships, bringing over 525,000 cruise guests from 19 different brands and accommodating six maiden calls.
Looking ahead, Cruise Port Rotterdam has several highlights on the horizon. One is the much-anticipated CLIA Europe Week, to take place in Rotterdam from 12–14 March 2025. This event will bring the industry together to discuss innovations and opportunities for the future.
Another significant initiative was the transformation of the cruise terminal into a “pink terminal” in support of breast cancer awareness, a testament to the port’s dedication to meaningful causes.
Throughout the year, Cruise Port Rotterdam hosted residential visits both aboard cruise vessels and within the Cruise Terminal itself, providing opportunities to showcase the dynamic and innovative cruise industry.
A key development was the construction of the shore power installation (OPS), which reflects the port’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.
Several noteworthy achievements from 2024 deserve special mention. The average age of cruise vessels calling at Rotterdam was just 9.25 years, reflecting the industry’s modernization efforts.
Impressively, 100% of all cruise calls were made by ships adhering to IMO regulations and using low-sulfur fuel (0.1%) within Emission Control Areas, including the Netherlands-North Sea area.
The economic impact of cruise visits was substantial, modestly estimated at €850,000 per ship call. Additionally, 90% of cruise guests visiting Rotterdam explored the city, many before or after their shore excursions.
Looking to the future, approximately 85–90% of cruise vessels visiting Rotterdam’s waters will be ready to connect to shore power by 2025. These vessels will benefit from wind- and solar-generated electricity, which will power the port while minimizing environmental impact.
Shore power connections will also allow for the charging of electric forklifts and cherry pickers used during port operations, further reducing noise pollution. By switching off ships’ generators while in port and using OPS, emissions can be reduced by up to 98%.
Photo = Rotterdam passing Hook of Holland after a day at her namesake city in May 2024.
