New innovation partnership: DronePort Rotterdam and Moffatt & Nichol

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting our newest partner Moffatt & Nichol at DronePort Rotterdam, where we explored working together on innovation, dual-use solutions, and sustainable port transformation. Our gathering consisted of a dynamic group of professionals with a shared vision.

From Moffatt & Nichol:

• Miluše Tichavska – Green Ports/Sustainable Director
• Joe Harder – Director of Defense
• Edgaras Trijonis – Business Development Associate
• Bart Vermeer – Senior Director Terminal Planning and Optimization
• Don Blancher – Supervising Coastal Scientist
• Chase Hulon – Inspection & Rehabilitation Manager

Representing DronePort Rotterdam:

• Niels Kalshoven – Liaison U-space Airspace at the Port of Rotterdam
• Jaleesa Tahapary – Business Development Manager at DronePort Rotterdam

About Moffatt & Nichol

Moffatt & Nichol is a leading global infrastructure advisory firm, specialized in the design and planning of resilient ports, waterfronts, and multimodal transportation systems. Their expertise in complex environments aligns with our ambitions.

Strategic Insights

• The goal of this session was mutual understanding and discovery:
• We gave Moffatt & Nichol a deep dive into DronePort Rotterdam, our approach to integrated autonomy across air, land, and water, and the real-world operational testbeds we’re developing.
• In turn, we gained a clear picture of Moffatt & Nichol, their smart port and digital twin solutions, and the scope of their drone program.
• We shared challenges around regulatory frameworks, dual-use operations, and security.
• Together, we discussed what it takes to align strategically across borders, sectors, and technologies, and where our collaboration could add real value.

This was just the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful exploration. We’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue and building a roadmap together.

We'd like to give a special thanks to: 

• Niels Krol from InnovationQuarter, who joined us during lunch and gave an excellent introduction to their initiatives, especially within the defense sector.
• Peter Blokdijk from Port of Rotterdam for the inspiring tour through RDM.
• Gregor Engelmann from The World Bank, who joined us later online and shared valuable insights in the developments of the Guidebook for Integrating Drones in World Bank Transport Operations.

Interested in partnership opportunities with DronePort Rotterdam? Contact Jaleesa Tahapary, our Business Development Manager, or learn more here.