Port of Rotterdam Explores Quantum Algorithms to Streamline Maritime Logistics

Europe’s Busiest Port Looks to Quantum

On October 16, 2018, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Europe’s largest seaport operator, formally began a collaboration with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and quantum software firm QC Ware, marking the first structured effort in Europe to evaluate quantum computing’s real-world utility in port logistics.

As the main maritime gateway to continental Europe, the Port of Rotterdam handles over 460 million tonnes of cargo annually, with throughput projected to rise by 25% over the next decade. Given the increasing complexity of container scheduling, berth allocation, and intermodal connections, port authorities are turning to cutting-edge computational tools to boost operational efficiency.

Quantum computing’s potential to accelerate optimization across multiple interconnected variables has piqued the interest of logistics planners—and Rotterdam is poised to lead the charge in Europe.

The Problem: Complexity at Scale

Maritime logistics involve some of the most non-linear and constraint-heavy optimization problems in the entire supply chain. In Rotterdam, each container's journey may span multiple transport modes (ocean freight, rail, inland shipping, trucking), with tight delivery windows and complex customs documentation.

Traditional algorithms can only simulate a small portion of these problems due to combinatorial explosion. For example:

• Berth scheduling must balance vessel arrival, port crane availability, and tidal conditions.

• Container stacking depends on weight, hazardous materials compliance, and destination sequencing.

• Rail and truck dispatches must be synchronized with unloading events to prevent congestion.

Even with high-performance classical systems, much of the decision-making still involves approximations, leading to inefficiencies and idle capacity.

The Quantum Pilot Initiative

With research support from TU Delft’s QuTech institute and engineering oversight by QC Ware, the Port of Rotterdam Authority funded an initial feasibility study in October 2018 to determine whether quantum algorithms could enhance predictive modeling and schedule optimization in three areas:

1. Berth Allocation Optimization
   Quantum-inspired solutions were modeled to test real-time reallocation of berths when ships arrive early or late, minimizing domino effects on other scheduled vessels.

2. Container Stacking Algorithms
   Hybrid classical-quantum approaches were used to simulate optimal stacking layouts that reduce crane travel time and avoid reshuffling bottlenecks.

3. Gate Traffic Prediction
   Predictive models using quantum-enhanced machine learning (QML) were developed to simulate peak gate traffic and help allocate customs and inspection personnel more dynamically.

While this first phase was largely simulation-based, the models used real operational data anonymized from September 2018 port activities.

QC Ware’s Quantum Software Stack

California-based QC Ware, known for its cloud-based quantum algorithm platform, contributed expertise in transforming complex logistical challenges into problems solvable by today’s quantum hardware.

Their Forge platform—compatible with gate-model quantum systems from IBM and Rigetti—enabled TU Delft researchers to experiment with:

• Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) models for berth and stack assignment.

• Quantum Support Vector Machines (QSVMs) for classifying traffic patterns.

• Amplitude estimation techniques to simulate queuing outcomes more accurately than Monte Carlo simulations.

These models were executed on classical emulators in October 2018, with selected workloads queued for IBM’s 16-qubit quantum processor through Qiskit cloud access.

TU Delft and QuTech: Academic Muscle

TU Delft’s QuTech research center, established in partnership with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), has been a leader in quantum internet and quantum algorithm R&D.

The port logistics pilot, though small in scale, represents a significant practical application for QuTech’s research agenda. According to Dr. Hans van de Boom, a lead researcher on the project, “This is an excellent opportunity to translate the theoretical strengths of quantum optimization into sector-specific gains for global trade. Rotterdam’s logistics problems are ideal test beds for quantum exploration.”

Smart Port Ambitions Align with Quantum Roadmaps

The pilot dovetails with Rotterdam’s broader Port Vision 2030 strategy, which includes:

• Becoming the world’s most automated smart port.

• Embracing zero-emission logistics through better operational efficiency.

• Increasing data sharing and predictive analytics across supply chain partners.

Quantum computing could be a natural enabler of these ambitions, particularly as more ports globally move toward real-time digital twin ecosystems.

As Rotterdam’s Chief Innovation Officer, Leonard Vaandrager, noted: “We don’t expect quantum supremacy tomorrow, but if we wait for perfection, we’ll miss the transition. Our quantum pilots today are about preparedness and innovation culture.”

Global Momentum in Port-Tech Quantum Trials

The Rotterdam project echoes similar initiatives globally:

• Singapore’s PSA International began a pilot with IBM Q in late 2018 to explore quantum applications in port congestion forecasting.

• Port of Los Angeles explored quantum-enhanced cybersecurity for cargo documentation in partnership with ISARA Corporation and the Department of Homeland Security.

• Hamburg’s Port Authority initiated discussions with D-Wave Systems in Canada for annealing-based simulation trials for intra-port vehicle routing.

These efforts underscore the rising global competition to integrate quantum methods into high-volume logistics domains.

Challenges and Future Phases

Despite the promise, several challenges remain:

• Hardware Limitations:
  Today’s noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices cannot handle full production-grade optimization workloads.

• Cost vs. ROI:
  Running even basic quantum simulations on cloud services can be expensive and hard to justify without clear operational improvements.

• Talent Shortages:
  Maritime logistics companies still lack in-house quantum-literate engineers, which can slow adoption even when pilots are promising.

To address these, Rotterdam’s next phase (planned for early 2019) includes:

• Hiring two full-time quantum specialists in-house.

• Co-hosting a European Quantum Logistics Workshop in Q1 2019.

• Evaluating hardware investments for local quantum emulation infrastructure.

Conclusion: Rotterdam Sets a European Standard for Quantum-Ready Ports

With its October 2018 pilot, the Port of Rotterdam has positioned itself as Europe’s pioneer in quantum logistics experimentation. While still in early stages, this initiative reflects a strategic understanding that tomorrow’s logistics advantages will be shaped by how well quantum algorithms can harness uncertainty, complexity, and scale.

By collaborating with leading academic institutions and forward-thinking startups, Rotterdam is not only preparing for the post-classical computing future—it’s helping define it.

As global trade faces pressure from political, environmental, and economic shocks, ports like Rotterdam that embrace next-generation optimization platforms will be best positioned to absorb disruption and lead in resilience.