Frequently Asked Questions

DronePort Rotterdam is an innovation ecosystem dedicated to the development, testing, and application of autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS) in real-world operational environments. Strategically located at the Port of Rotterdam, we integrate drones and related technologies across the port, city, and Zuid-Holland region. Our approach emphasizes both vertical and horizontal integration: connecting air, land, water, and space to create a cohesive operational environment while fostering collaboration across sectors like maritime, logistics, emergency response, offshore, defense, public safety, and port and urban development. By aligning technological, regulatory, and infrastructural standards, DronePort Rotterdam not only addresses local needs but also establishes a scalable blueprint that other ports and regions worldwide can adapt.

DronePort Rotterdam provides three main offerings:

• Innovation Ecosystem: Fosters collaboration across industry, academia, and regulatory bodies, accelerating the practical application of autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS).
• Center of Excellence: Serves as a knowledge hub, offering research partnerships, regulatory guidance, and strategic support for scaling innovations.
• Test and Experience Center: Features a state-of-the-art infrastructure to test AUS technologies on land, in the air, and on and under water, enabling organizations to validate and refine their solutions in real-world conditions.

DronePort Rotterdam advances the development and deployment of autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS) through collaborative, large-scale projects and strategic alliances across sectors. We facilitate targeted partnerships with industry, government, and academia to drive AUS innovation and meet stakeholder needs locally, regionally, and in Europe.

Our activities include:

• Regulatory navigation
• Investment facilitation
• Consultancy
• Strategy development
• Stakeholder management
• Branding

We also offer:

• Specialized training
• Knowledge-sharing events through our DronePort Connects program
• AUS testing at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 9 for validation and preparedness for real-world applications across air, land, water, and space environments​​. 

DronePort Rotterdam is uniquely positioned in an environment where Europe’s largest port, the City of Rotterdam, the expansive offshore North Sea, and Rotterdam/The Hague Airport converge, providing an ideal setting for real-world innovation.

Unlike conventional testing labs, we focus on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 9, enabling organizations to validate and refine their technologies in active operational settings — from port operations to urban and maritime applications. We maintain direct contact with national and European regulators, ensuring our initiatives align with evolving compliance regulations and standards. Additionally, our in-depth understanding of our focus industries allows us to tailor solutions to sector-specific needs. Our approach emphasizes “learning by doing” to deliver real-world impact, with a dual-use focus that supports AUS technologies relevant to both civilian and defense applications​​.

We use the term autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS) because our work extends beyond traditional drones. While “drones” typically refer to unmanned aerial vehicles and systems, AUS encompasses a wider range of autonomous and uncrewed technologies operating across multiple domains, including air, land, water, and even space. These systems are equipped with advanced features such as sensors, radar, connectivity, navigation, data sharing, and IoT capabilities. By focusing on AUS, we address a broad spectrum of autonomous solutions adaptable to diverse applications in both civil and defense sectors, allowing us to evolve with future advancements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Here's where you can follow us for the latest news, project updates, and event announcements:

• Website: www.droneportrotterdam.com
• LinkedIn: Follow us here
• Newsletter: Subscribe here

Additionally, we offer DronePort Rotterdam Connects, a quarterly update event, along with workshops and international events such as the DroneHorizon summit, which highlights innovation and collaboration in the autonomous and uncrewed systems sector. Stay tuned for opportunities to engage with us at these events and connect with our network of industry leaders and innovators.