This summer we took the ferry into the Hook of Holland passing the port of Rotterdam, long known as Europe’s busiest port. It is increasingly becoming a symbol of the energy transition. Where once fossil fuels defined its identity, wind turbines now punctuate the skyline, reminders of the Netherlands’ commitment and pioneering approach to a renewable future. Not to mention their long history of windmills!
What makes Rotterdam unique is not just the scale of its industrial port, but how seamlessly wind power has been integrated into this landscape. Onshore turbines line the harbour, while offshore projects like Hollandse Kust bring gigawatts of clean energy just beyond the coast. These installations are not only supplying power to thousands of homes, but also helping to decarbonise some of the most energy-intensive industries in Europe.
Rotterdam is also a hub of innovation. The port supports floating wind demonstrators, new logistics for turbine installation, and pioneering hydrogen-from-wind projects. The city shows that wind power isn’t just about energy, it’s about jobs, infrastructure, and international leadership.
As wind turbines spin above ships, cranes, and cargo, they represent more than electricity: they are icons of transformation of a port, a country, and a global energy system in motion.
