In the 14th century, Rotterdam was still just a fishing village on the river Rotte; six centuries later, it is a port of global stature and the major port serving continental Europe. Today’s port and industrial complex extends from the city right up to the North Sea and covers around 5000 hectares of industrial land.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the port of Rotterdam is again reaching its limits. To the immediate west of the current port and industrial area, Maasvlakte 2 is being created in the North Sea. This will make Rotterdam ready to face the future.