The Port of Rotterdam

If you say Rotterdam, the port comes to mind immediately. It’s not only that the port has a prominent function within the economy of the city, it also has a rich history!

Rotterdam was founded around 1260 CE, this small town surrounded a dam at the river the Rotte (hence the name Rotterdam). The little port attracted enough business for the city to grow. The port became important for fishery in the 16^th century.

Unlike Amsterdam, the port of Rotterdam wasn’t that popular during the colonial trade. This was because it was too difficult to reach since there wasn’t a direct connection with the ocean. The growth of the port began in the second half of the 19^th century. When the German Ruhr-area began to industrialize, it became of great importance for the Netherlands to optimize the reachability of the port. The Nieuwe Waterweg (the new water road) was the solution.

During the Second World War, the port got bombed as well, but during the reconstruction there were some major investments. It made such a fast growth, that the port had trouble with the amount of ships. This is why the Botlek-area was constructed.

The increasing economical interest in petroleum oils, became the reason for even more growth for the port. The Europoort got constructed, for this a part of the ocean got laid dry. From 1962 till 2004 the port of Rotterdam was the largest of the world.

Currently it’s placed 4^th from the world, after the ports of Sjanghai, Ningbo, and Singapore. Rotterdam has still the largest port of Europe. As I said before, there are multiple possibilities to have a tour through the port. Definitely worth a visit!

Would you love to live in Rotterdam? Check our website Domica Rotterdam!