Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe The port of Rotterdam is the largest in america

Rotterdam is a major port in Holland and a naval base in the Rhine Delta, 33 km from the North Sea. Rotterdam is connected to the North Sea by a deep-water channel accessible to large ocean-going ships. In total, the port has about 50 basins, where 300 sea vessels can be handled at the same time. The length of the quay front is about 57 km with a depth of up to 22 m. More than 50% of the total foreign trade turnover of the Netherlands passes through Rotterdam, about 75% of all cargo transportation along the Rhine. The main item of the Rotterdam port's turnover is oil (over 70%). In addition, such sea cargo as ore, coal, grain, timber is imported to the port; exported industrial equipment, mineral fertilizers.

Port of Rotterdam on the map

The total turnover of sea freight in the port of Rotterdam is 257 million tons, the traffic flow is over 30 thousand sea and 250 thousand river vessels per year. The port is equipped with modern mechanisms for loading and unloading cargo, has warehouses, open cargo areas, oil storage facilities, the total capacity of which reaches 27 million tons. The port has 5 oil harbors with 68 berths, 14 of which accept tankers with a carrying capacity of up to 280 thousand tons. accept tankers with a carrying capacity of 400-500 thousand tons. 8 shipbuilding and ship-repair enterprises of the port of Rotterdam, which have 8 dry and 25 floating docks, the largest of which has dimensions of 405 X 90 X 10.85 m, provide the construction and repair of ships with a carrying capacity of up to 500 thousand . t and ships up to aircraft carriers inclusive. In the port of Rotterdam, ships and units of the Marine Corps of the Dutch Navy, as well as ships of the Navy of other NATO countries, are based.

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Rotterdam is a major transport hub (railways and highways); sea ​​(in the North Sea) and river (Maas river) ports; an airport.

The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe, and from 1962 to 2004 it was the largest in the world (it ceded this title to Shanghai and Singapore). In 2006, Rotterdam was the sixth largest container port in the world, handling TEU (twenty foot equivalent) units.

Figure 2.6. Rotterdam terminals layout: Maasvlakta, Europort, Botlek

Europort is a sea terminal in Rotterdam (Fig. 2.6., 2.7.). Located at the estuaries of the Rhine and Meuse rivers, through which it connects with the hinterland of Europe in Belgium, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The main activity of the port is servicing oil refineries, as well as enterprises of the coal and metallurgical industries. In addition, the port has automobile and container terminals.

Figure 2.7.

The company "EUROPEAN BULK SERVICES (E.B.S.) B.V." operates at two terminals located in the strategically important areas of the port of Rotterdam, namely the terminal “E.B.S. Europoort ", where the loading and unloading of import / export agricultural products and coal is carried out (at the berths of large-tonnage vessels), and" E.B.S. St. Laurenshaven ", a terminal for Panamax container ships, where operations are mainly carried out on the loading and unloading of ore, coal, scrap, biomass and agricultural products. These two large terminals are equipped with excellent handling equipment and storage facilities. All terminals are optimally connected to deep water shipping lanes, inland waters, railways and highways. Access to the terminals is carried out without going through a single-chamber gateway. These terminals can accept any type of vessels from large-capacity dry cargo vessels to river barges.

It takes 1.5 hours to get from the Europoort terminal to the pilot station, and from the St. Laurenshaven "- 3 hours in advance.

The port area in Rotterdam is 105 square kilometers and is 40 kilometers long. The port is located along the banks of the Kalandkanal, the continuation of the Nieuwe-Meuse, Nieuwe-Waterweg and Scheuur rivers, as well as at the bulk terminal Maasvlakte overlooking the North Sea.

The Port of Rotterdam consists of the historic harbor area in the city center, including Delfshaven; complex Maaskhaven / Reinhaven / Feyenoord; the harbors around the Nieuw Matenesse; Waalhaven; Vondelingenplat; Emhaven; Botleck; Europort.

The Port of Rotterdam is connected by regular sea lines with more than 110 ports in Europe. Feeder vessels and other types of transport allow for door-to-door delivery of cargo arriving in Rotterdam on ocean-going vessels. Port infrastructure and equipment of the Port of Rotterdam, 2008: total area - 10 556 hectares; water area and infrastructure - 5,999 hectares; port length - 40 km; berthing line length - 89 km; container loaders - 103; container cranes - 12; multipurpose cranes - 162.

Terminals: container terminals for ocean-going ships, European cabotage ships and river ships - 9; multipurpose terminals - 17; specialized terminals for Ro-Ro, bulk, bulk, etc. cargo - 67. Other equipment: tugs - 29; pilot boats - 6: breakwaters, dams - 122; dry docks - 6; floating docks - 7. The modern container terminals of Rotterdam, serving ships in the shortest possible time, make the port the most popular hub for feeder transport in Europe.

The Port of Rotterdam is one of the largest in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located in the Netherlands and, according to 2011 data, is the tenth largest in the world in terms of the number of containers handled in it. The port is located in the Rhine Delta, 33 kilometers from the North Sea, to which Rotterdam is connected by a deep-water channel accessible for the passage of large ocean liners.

The Port of Rotterdam unites 50 basins, which can simultaneously accommodate 300 sea vessels. The length of the quay front is about 57 kilometers and has a depth of up to 22 meters.

The Port of Rotterdam handles over 50% of the Netherlands' foreign trade turnover and 75% of all cargo shipments on the Rhine.

Oil accounts for about 70% of the port's turnover and is the main source of turnover. Therefore, there are 5 oil harbors with 68 berths, of which 14 are capable of receiving tankers with a carrying capacity of up to 280 thousand tons.

The Port of Rotterdam handles over 30,000 sea and 250,000 river vessels annually. However, it cannot be said that the port is only a cargo one. Passenger traffic also takes an important place in it. From here, a ferry leaves for Hull, which spends 12 hours on the way. Also, a huge number of cruise ships pass through the port of Rotterdam, making a stop there.

Taxi, transfer to the port of Rotterdam

Transfer from KiwiTaxi (individual, group) is a comfortable way to get to the port of Rotterdam by planning your trip in advance.

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Where is the cruise port of Rotterdam

The cruise port of Rotterdam is centrally located on the banks of the Nivier Maas River, 300 meters from a tram stop and 500 meters from Wilhelminaplein Metro Station. The train station is a 30-minute walk away. It is also convenient to get to it by metro, tram or taxi, which will cost you around 15 euros.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the cruise terminal. Surrounded by a large selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, there are several hotels, a supermarket, car rental and parking. All of Rotterdam's attractions are within walking distance.

How to get to the cruise port of Rotterdam

If your cruise starts or ends in Rotterdam, it is more convenient to fly to Amsterdam. Usually, air tickets to Rotterdam are significantly more expensive than to the capital. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is 60 km from the cruise terminal in Rotterdam. It's easy enough to get to it. There is a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Rotterdam, travel time is 20 minutes non-stop. The fare is 12 euros. Rotterdam Centraal Station is 3 km from the cruise terminal. It is convenient to take the metro, tram or taxi, which will cost you around 15 euros.
If you arrive at Rotterdam - The Hague Airport, it will be even easier to get there, because it is only 10 km away from the cruise terminal. The city center can be reached by bus number 33 to Rotterdam Centraal Station, journey time 20 minutes.

Routes, excursions, transport in the port of Rotterdam

Public transport in Rotterdam is represented by buses, trams and metro. The metro has 2 lines: Erasmuslijn (blue) and Calandlijn (red). They connect at the Beurs station - the only place where you can "change the line". Trains run every 10 minutes, the travel time from station to station is about 4 minutes.

Tram network (8 lines). All of them, except for line 2, stop at the main railway station. At each stop there is a detailed map with all routes and stops, conductors work, the interval of movement is about 10 minutes.

The most convenient travel ticket option for tourists is the OV-chipcard. They are sold at ticket machines, post offices, the train station, major bus stops, tobacco and newsstands, and RET offices. The cost of a smart card, valid for one day, is € 7 for adults and € 3.5 for children from 4 to 11 years old. The deposit for the card is € 7.5. The cost of one-time tickets valid for the metro, trams and buses within an hour from the moment of the first pass is 3 euros. A ticket for two hours will cost 3.5 euros.

In addition, for travel, you can use the Rotterdam Welcome Card, which includes the use of public transport without restrictions within the selected time - 24, 48 or 72 hours. The cost of the card for one day is 10 euros for adults and 7 euros for children from 4 to 11 years old, for two days - 13.5 euros for adults and 8.75 for children.

According to Rotterdam, tk. it is riddled with canals, and the unusual Splashtours amphibious sightseeing bus runs. The cost for an adult is 26.50 euros, for a child under 11 years old - 18 euros. Unfortunately, there is no Russian guide.

Taxis are quite expensive. You can take a car at a specialized parking lot or order by phone. The basic rate is about 3-4 euros (up to 7.5 euros) plus 1.5-2 euros per kilometer.

Rotterdam has a tuk-tuk (open tricycle motorcycle with a sidecar) which is a great alternative to a taxi. The fare depends on the zone: within the same zone for one - 3.50 EUR, for two - 5 EUR, for three - 6.50 EUR. For each additional zone, add EUR 3.50. Moreover, a tuk-tuk can be ordered in advance.

Like any other city in Holland, Rotterdam is very cyclist-friendly. Riding a bike around the city center is perhaps the most convenient and quickest way to get to your destination. There are not only special paths, but also separate traffic lights, which are intended exclusively for cyclists.

You can rent a bike near the main railway station (Schaatsbaan, 41-45). The only nuance that everyone should remember is not to forget to "tie" the bike in order to avoid theft (a lock with a digital code is always issued when renting).

What to see in the vicinity of Rotterdam

15 km from the center of Rotterdam is the village of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose mills are a symbol of Holland. The most convenient way to get there is by water taxi Waterbus. To do this, you need to use the bus number 202. The fare is 8 euros in both directions, travel time is 26 minutes. The Erasmusbrug pier is located on the other side of the river, opposite the terminal. We must cross the bridge. If time is available, the same water taxi from Kinderdijk can take you to the town of Dordrecht.

Rotterdam shops and cuisine

As a rule, they start shopping from the Lijnbaan shopping street, where a huge assortment of various shops is presented. The new shopping street in Rotterdam is Beurstraverse, located between Hoogstraat and Lijnbaan streets. Here are world brands and not only. A must-see is the new indoor food market, The Markthal Rotterdam. A striking feature of the arched structure is the colorful Cornucopia murals by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. They cover the entire internal ceiling, and this is almost 11 thousand square meters! The market is a 30 minute walk from the cruise terminal, at Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, next to the Rotterdam Blaak train station.

It is recommended to take a stroll through local restaurants and cafes; many establishments can rightfully be considered true gastronomic attractions. One of the best restaurants is located right next to the cruise terminal - HMB Restaurant, opening hours from 12.00 to 00.00, Sun. and Mon. - day off.

Where to stay before and after the cruise?

For a port stop before your cruise, try Airbnb, which offers a full-fledged apartment for the price of a hotel room. By registering using our link you will receive coupon for 2100 rubles. for your first stay from 4500 rubles!

Top Things to do in and around the Port of Rotterdam

These hotels are selected by us based on our own experience and the experience of other cruise travelers. Determining factors when choosing: proximity to the cruise terminal of Rotterdam, the ability to quickly and easily get to the ship, as well as the airport or train station.

The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe. Its area reaches 105 km2, and the length of the coastline is 40 km. The port is divided into 5 districts and 3 shipping zones; more than 40,000,000 consumers are served here and more than 400 million tons of various goods are transported annually.

Due to its favorable location, Rotterdam has become the main seaport in Europe. It is located at the mouth of the Rhine and Meuse rivers (South Holland), through which you can quickly and safely transport cargo from the Netherlands to Belgium, France and Germany. It is through Rotterdam that most of the goods arriving from Asia or America go deep into continental Europe.

What value is the seaport of Rotterdam for tourists and is it possible to come here for an excursion? What is on its territory and how to get there? The answers to the most important questions for travelers are in this article.

History

The first memories of the port of Rotterdam date back to the late 13th century, when a dam was built in a small fishing village at the mouth of the Rhine River. A little later, in 1340, a canal was dug at this place, known as the "Rotterdam Schie", which later became the main port of the province and the harbinger of Rotterdam.

The next significant stage in the history of the port began in the era of the great geographical discoveries. After a short sea route to India was discovered, Dutch trade and shipping began to develop rapidly, turning Rotterdam into the country's second trading city. In 1873, the port was expanded and got access to the North Sea, not only ordinary merchant ships began to sail here, but also larger ocean steamers.

The First and Second World Wars destroyed more than a third of the port's facilities, which only grew in importance with the development of industry in the Ruhr region. In the second half of the 20th century, Rotterdam literally "rose from the ashes" left after numerous bombings. In its place was built a completely new city with a practical and unusual architecture, the seaport has become the embodiment of bold innovative projects that are admired not only from a tourist, but also from a professional point of view.

Interesting to know! From 1926 to 1986, Rotterdam was the largest port in the world.

Modern port

Today Rotterdam is called the main "gateway to Europe". It is one of the largest ports in the world in terms of cargo turnover - more than 440 million tons of goods pass through its quays and warehouses every year. Mainly oil products, ores, sand, coal and containerized cargo are transported through Rotterdam.

The landscape around Rotterdam made it possible to establish road and rail links here, which became another advantage of the port. In addition, its territory is famous for the presence of unusual architecture, since some companies, whose warehouses and offices are located in this place, have created entire projects to create unique buildings with wide functionality. The port also has a small Maritime Museum.

An entertaining fact! The seaport of Rotterdam is called the king of Dutch architecture.

The Port of Rotterdam is a place where there are no nights. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. More than 135,000 ships and more than 4 million tourists come here annually, wishing to personally visit the main harbor in Europe.

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Excursions in Rotterdam

To see the largest port in Europe from the inside is the dream of many travelers. To make it happen, Spido, whose head office is located next to the Erasmus Bridge, conducts more than 5 excursions every day along the waterways of Rotterdam.

A fascinating ride on the high-speed ship Speedo will allow you to visit where a taxi will not bring you and will not bring your legs. You will see with your own eyes all the peculiarities of the operation of this huge mechanism: a tourist boat passes along the Meuse River through the main parts of the port, docks and shipyards, it sails past seagoing ships serving tugs and tankers, shows travelers the most interesting buildings in Rotterdam.

A tour of the seaport will be interesting for both children and adults. It lasts 1.5 or 2.5 hours and is accompanied by information in Dutch, English, French and German. Departure takes place almost every hour from under the Erasmus Bridge.

Advice! Food and drinks on the ship are very expensive, so it's best to buy them in advance. The company does not prohibit bringing sandwiches, fruits and even wine on board.

Useful information

• The cost of the cruise is 12 euros. HollandPass cardholders are entitled to a discount, which must be reminded to the cashier;
• The company is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. You can find out the exact time of departure of the ship only on the spot, since the schedule of the Speedo ship depends on its workload;
• One of the best souvenir shops in Rotterdam is located next to the company's ticket offices. Here you can buy a lot of interesting gifts, mainly the marine theme;
• If you want to enjoy the excursion from the upper deck, ask for a blanket in advance and do not forget a scarf - the ship is moving at high speed and the wind is constantly blowing on passengers.

The Port of Rotterdam is a unique mechanism that is striking in its scale. See its power and strength with your own eyes! Have a nice trip!

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