Port of Rotterdam to monitor drones more closely, invests in detection systems

The Port of Rotterdam will increase surveillance of drones in its airspace this year. Speaking at the annual figures presentation on Tuesday, Port Master René de Vries highlighted the need for vigilance due to unauthorized drone flights across Europe.

Rotterdam Port Authority is moving toward a fully regulated low-altitude airspace. The first phase will concentrate on drone registration, flight authorization, and admission policies, giving the port greater control. Both ports and airports face challenges in preventing unauthorized drone flights.

“We cannot afford to be complacent,” De Vries emphasizes. “Recent incidents affecting underwater infrastructure in the Baltic and unauthorized drone activity over vital sites in Europe show that physical and cyber security are essential for Rotterdam’s port. Ongoing geopolitical shifts mean we must keep strengthening our resilience.”

To that end, Rotterdam Port Authority is investing in drone detection systems capable of differentiating between harmless and potentially threatening drones. The ultimate aim, according to the port master, is to establish a fully integrated air traffic system for drones and other unmanned vehicles. “This is a complex undertaking, and it will take several years,” De Vries notes.

Maritime safety in the Port of Rotterdam improved last year, with collisions falling from 148 to 106. This led to a rise in the Nautical Safety Index, which went from 6.1 to 7.8.

Despite the marked improvement in maritime safety, De Vries remains cautious. Last year, three people lost their lives in non-maritime work accidents within the port area. “While these incidents are beyond the Port Master Division’s responsibilities, they naturally had a significant impact.”

New speed restrictions for vessels near the Erasmus Bridge will come into force on April 1 to enhance maritime safety. Ships will be limited to 20 kilometers per hour in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, with a wider surrounding zone restricted to 50 kilometers per hour. A spokesperson noted that the Nieuwe Maas currently has no speed limit.

The port’s decision to reduce speed limits implements a recommendation from the Dutch Safety Board (OVV), which issued multiple recommendations following past incidents near the bridge in Rotterdam.

In 2025, the Port of Rotterdam saw a small drop in sea-going ship traffic, from 27,617 to 27,384, while the number of inland vessels rose from 91,356 to 93,680.