Port of Rotterdam Authority Collaborates with QuTech to Explore Quantum Logistics Framework

Rotterdam Positions Itself as Europe’s Quantum-Ready Port

On November 22, 2017, the Port of Rotterdam Authority revealed a pioneering research collaboration with QuTech—one of Europe’s leading quantum research institutions based at TU Delft and TNO. The initiative aimed to investigate how quantum computing could transform port operations, particularly in scheduling, resource allocation, and congestion reduction.

The project was positioned as a pre-commercial exploration phase, enabling port strategists to assess how quantum capabilities might interface with digital twin systems, predictive analytics, and real-time port traffic controls. The partnership emerged from the Dutch government’s broader commitment to quantum innovation under the National Icon Projects and Quantum Delta NL program.

Strategic Need: Scaling Beyond Classical Limits

The Port of Rotterdam handles over 460 million tonnes of cargo annually, supported by 180,000 vessel movements per year. With global maritime traffic projected to double by 2050, the port authority recognized that classical optimization models would face diminishing returns under growing logistical complexity.

Current systems use predictive analytics, AI, and edge computing to manage traffic, energy usage, and berth scheduling. However, even advanced classical models struggle with NP-hard problems like container stacking, berth assignment, or weather-resilient ship routing.

“We must prepare now for a world where the scale and interdependence of logistics systems exceed today’s computing capacity,” said Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “Quantum computing may offer breakthroughs not only in problem-solving speed, but also in the ability to model the complex dynamics of port ecosystems.”

Quantum Use Cases Identified

The research collaboration focused on three high-potential quantum applications:

1. Berth Planning Optimization: Testing quantum annealing models for reducing vessel wait times and reshuffling scenarios.

2. Multi-Agent Scheduling: Simulating how port equipment (like cranes and tugboats) could be coordinated via quantum-enhanced routing.

3. Cargo Flow Resilience: Using quantum algorithms to map disruption scenarios (e.g., customs delays, labor strikes) and recommend mitigations.

QuTech researchers also explored integrating quantum algorithms with the port’s existing digital twin system, PortXchange, to enhance real-time reactivity and predictive capabilities.

QuTech’s Role in the Project

QuTech, jointly operated by TU Delft and TNO, had already demonstrated its strength in quantum network research and quantum processor development. The institution provided theoretical modeling, algorithm development, and proof-of-concept simulations using early-access quantum devices from collaborating hardware vendors, including IBM and D-Wave.

The Port of Rotterdam initiative marked QuTech’s first formal collaboration with a major logistics infrastructure operator. While no live deployment occurred in 2017, the groundwork laid the foundation for future QKD experiments and quantum cloud integration in the years that followed.

National and European Context

The Netherlands was among the earliest EU nations to create a coordinated national quantum strategy, investing €135 million in quantum R&D under the Quantum Delta NL consortium. Rotterdam’s engagement positioned the Dutch port economy as a potential early adopter of quantum supply chain innovation.

Additionally, the European Commission’s Quantum Flagship—formally announced in 2018—was already under planning in 2017, signaling a surge of upcoming investments across the continent.

“Embedding quantum readiness into vital infrastructure like ports ensures Europe is not caught unprepared for technological disruption,” said Stephanie Wehner, scientific director at QuTech.

Industry Reaction and Potential Impact

While quantum computing was still in its early commercial phases in 2017, Rotterdam’s decision to proactively study its applications in logistics earned praise across the maritime sector. Logistics think tanks and sustainability researchers highlighted the move as a model for how public infrastructure entities should engage with emerging technologies.

Critically, the research partnership allowed the port to begin preparing its digital systems for eventual quantum integration—including quantum-safe encryption, data interfaces for quantum cloud services, and digital twin scalability.

This proactive stance is particularly important given the intensifying global race for port efficiency and resilience, where Singapore, Dubai, and Shanghai are all vying for digital supremacy.

Long-Term Vision: Quantum Logistics as a Standard

Rotterdam’s vision was not to adopt quantum tools prematurely, but to integrate them when maturity aligns with operational need. The partnership with QuTech allowed a slow but deliberate approach, ensuring institutional familiarity with quantum concepts and gradual alignment with port modernization timelines.

Future phases identified include:

• Hybrid quantum-classical routing algorithms for intermodal planning.

• Quantum-secure data channels for customs and shipping manifests.

• Integration with EU-wide logistics platforms like e-Freight and Single Window systems.

The port authority also committed to supporting STEM education and talent development to ensure it had a workforce ready to operate and govern quantum systems when the time comes.

Conclusion

By partnering with QuTech in November 2017, the Port of Rotterdam Authority signaled a clear message: the quantum era is coming, and the most strategic infrastructure operators are already preparing. Though quantum advantage remains years away for most logistics applications, the groundwork laid today will determine which ports and economies lead in resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness tomorrow.

As Europe’s busiest maritime gateway, Rotterdam is setting a precedent—combining vision, collaboration, and technical readiness—to ensure it remains a quantum-ready hub in a digitally transformed global trade network.