Port of Rotterdam Authority sponsors electric powerboat championships during the World Port Days
For two years, the Port of Rotterdam Authority will be sponsoring Purpose Pole Position B.V., a Rotterdam-based company with a focus on organising racing competitions for electric powerboats to help accelerate the transition to clean, electric shipping and mobility. On Friday 7 July, Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Victor Benjamins, Managing Partner of Purpose Pole Position B.V. (PPP), signed an agreement.
The RaceBird (name of the boat) has already been presented at the previous World Port Days. PPP will organise two races on the water every day during this year’s World Port Days, in which four electric vessels will be competing against each other. The World Port Days will take place on 1, 2 and 3 September 2023. The aim is for an official E1 world championship to take place in Rotterdam from 2024, with ten teams taking part.
Formula 1
Sponsoring PPP fits in with the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s policy on contributing to the sustainability of transport from and to the port. “Innovation in Formula 1 racing has made a significant contribution to the digitalisation of the automotive industry. With this sponsorship, we aim to support this fledgling initiative and give it a real chance to develop into Formula 1 for electric powerboats,” says Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Purpose Pole Position is delighted with the support from the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “This partnership means much more than just a financial contribution,” says Managing Partner, Victor Benjamins. “The positioning of the Port of Rotterdam by the Port of Rotterdam Authority has played a major role in E1 choosing to hold the pre-season races here.”
