Innovation Dock 2025: Launching a New Space for Innovation, Industry, Government, and Community at World Port Days

Port of Rotterdam | DronePort Rotterdam | Platform Zero

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, 14 August 2025 — The Department of Innovation of the Port of Rotterdam, Platform Zero, and DronePort Rotterdam, in collaboration with the organisation of World Port Days and the European Commission, introduce Innovation Dock 2025. This space is a new area within the event dedicated to port innovation, collaboration, and demonstration. Located at the Kop van Zuid and spanning 1,000 m², the Innovation Dock connects operational challenges in logistics, energy, mobility, and security with real-world technology, European cooperation, and talent development. It brings together professionals, public stakeholders, and international delegations through live showcases, dialogue, and exchange.

The Innnovation Dock is anchored by the Europe Pavilion of the European Commission, which provides a direct link to European innovation programmes, policy priorities, and funding opportunities. The initiative highlights how Rotterdam and its partners are shaping the future of smart, sustainable, and secure port ecosystems.

What's Happening When

• 5 September includes a dedicated B2B and B2G programme with executive tours, live demonstrations, and international matchmaking. The general public is also welcome throughout the day.
  6 and 7 September focus on public engagement, offering interactive showcases, hands-on experiences, and educational activities for visitors of all ages.

More than 25 companies and networks will present real-world applications, pilot-ready technologies, and operational use cases. A programme highlight is THE ICON by Tyde and BMW, an all-electric foiling vessel moored at the Innovation Dock, offering live demonstrations, VIP transport, and leadership dialogues on the future of zero-emission mobility in port cities. Several side events and thematic programmes will run throughout and around this innovation space at the World Port Days. The Innovation Dock is actively supported by the City of Rotterdam and Drone Delivery Services.

What You’ll Experience

Innovation Dock 2025 highlights seven key themes that reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the maritime, logistics, and port-city domains. These themes structure the showcases, workshops, and conversations throughout the event:

1. Autonomous Systems & Connected Technologies
From drones and robotics to AI, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), and edge computing. Discover how smart, connected systems are being deployed across complex port operations.

2. Security & Dual-Use Innovation
Explore civil-military solutions for surveillance, crisis response, secure communications, and counter-UAS technologies in high-stakes maritime environments.

3. Maritime Innovation & Urban Integration
Learn how next-generation mobility and clean waterborne transport are being integrated into long-term spatial planning at the port-city interface.

4. Energy & Circularity
Showcases focus on real-world hydrogen infrastructure, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and circular economy initiatives supporting the energy transition.

5. Seamless Mobility & Foiling Technologies
Experience connected, low-emission transport solutions across land and water, including electric foiling vessels and multimodal logistics applications.

6. Education & Talent Development (MATCH)
Over 2,000 students, jobseekers, and professionals take part in hands-on learning, hackathons, and career orientation activities led by industry and knowledge partners.

7. European Cooperation & Multilateral Ecosystems
Engage in sessions aligned with EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and CEF, featuring international delegations and cross-border public-private collaboration.

An Innovation Week for Europe’s Ports of the Future

As a strategic prelude, DroneHorizon 2025 on 4 September is developed in collaboration with DronePort Rotterdam, the Ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, The Beacon, and its partners. Convening public and private leaders to explore the future of autonomous and unmanned systems in Europe’s critical domains. The summit sets the stage for the hands-on programming at Innovation Dock.

Together, these events form an Innovation Week for Europe’s ports, bridging strategic dialogue and operational deployment. Throughout the week, international delegations will visit Rotterdam to engage with partners, explore emerging technologies, and experience how innovation is shaping the future of maritime and port-city ecosystems.

To learn more about the Innovation Dock, please visit:
www.wereldhavendagen.nl
www.dronehorizon.org/innovationdock