Shaping sustainable shipping: innovation, people and partnerships in Rotterdam

From alternative fuels to human capital, Rotterdam is accelerating the maritime energy transition. Companies and institutions including Discom Exhaust Technology, MARTECHLAB, the Dutch Innovation Company (NIM) and Simwave are leading the way. By testing new technologies, strengthening skills and engaging international partners, they demonstrate how the Rotterdam region turns ambition into action. Explore how collaboration across the maritime ecosystem drives real progress towards a cleaner, smarter and future-ready industry.

Cleaner engines, smarter exhaust systems

Discom is rethinking what combustion can look like at sea. Account Manager Werner van Well explains how the company is minimising harmful emissions, making engines more durable and exploring the potential of methanol through the MENENS project. By capturing waste heat and fine-tuning efficiency, Discom proves that cleaner engines are not just possible, but practical. Collaboration with partners is key, ensuring innovation translates into sustainable solutions for the entire sector.

Building human capital for the maritime future

How do you make the maritime sector attractive for the next generation? For Jeff de Graaf, founder of MARTECHLAB, the answer lies in collaboration. By bringing together education, industry and initiatives across the Netherlands, MARTECHLAB gives students the chance to work on real-world challenges. The goal: tackle staff shortages, open career opportunities and create a strong, future-ready workforce that will keep the industry moving forward.

Accelerating decarbonisation through innovation

At the Dutch Innovation Company NIM, decarbonisation is about action, not just research. CTO Sander Roosjen shares how NIM unites the entire maritime value chain from researchers to integrators to shipowners to turn methanol dual fuel engines and other clean technologies into market ready solutions. Based in Rotterdam, the beating heart of maritime innovation, NIM is pushing sustainability forward by ensuring new technologies do not stay on the drawing board but power real vessels.

Training for a zero emission industry

Technology alone will not achieve the energy transition. People must be prepared too. Simwave, one of the world’s largest maritime training centres, is tackling the human side of change. CCO Ryan Verhagen explains how, through the MethaNorms project, Simwave develops training, competency frameworks and simulations for methanol fuelled ships. By working with partners such as NIM and engaging international regulators, Simwave ensures seafarers gain the skills and standards needed for a zero emission future.

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