Port of Rotterdam Trials Quantum Logistics with QC Ware and IBM to Optimize Container Flow

Rotterdam: A Global Maritime Logistics Hub Ready for Quantum

Handling over 14 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, the Port of Rotterdam manages immense volumes of cargo under tight schedules. The complexity of container arrival, inspection, storage, and dispatch presents ideal conditions for quantum algorithms to deliver value.

Challenges include:

• Yard slot optimization for varying container sizes and turnover rates

• Predictive berth scheduling under unpredictable traffic and weather

• Crane and equipment dispatching across dynamic zones

• Congestion forecasting from multimodal inland transport

To address these, the port partnered with quantum software startup QC Ware and leveraged IBM’s Qiskit Runtime on real quantum hardware and emulators.

Objectives and Structure of the Rotterdam Quantum Pilot

The project was initiated as part of the Digital Twin Rotterdam initiative—a smart port program that uses AI, sensors, and simulation to digitize port operations. Quantum computing added a new dimension of computation for tackling NP-hard optimization problems in:

Primary goals:

• Minimizing container dwell time using quantum-based bin-packing solvers

• Optimizing gate and yard traffic flow via hybrid quantum routing models

• Improving accuracy in ETA (estimated time of arrival) prediction with quantum-enhanced regression models

The pilot focused on the Euromax and Maasvlakte terminals, two of the port’s most complex container zones.

QC Ware's Hybrid Quantum Algorithms in Action

QC Ware adapted its Forge platform to run logistics-specific quantum routines, including:

• Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithms (QAOA) for crane assignment

• Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE) for resource scheduling

• Classical-quantum co-processing for Monte Carlo simulations on container movement probabilities

These were compared with classical heuristics and deployed in digital twin simulations using historical and real-time data.

Performance indicators:

• 12% improvement in container placement efficiency

• 9% reduction in truck turnaround time within the terminal gates

• More stable congestion forecasting curves during peak unloading periods

IBM Quantum’s Role and Technical Enablement

IBM provided access to its quantum cloud services, including:

• Qiskit Runtime for efficient hybrid execution

• Simulated runs on 127-qubit IBM Eagle processors

• Integration with IBM’s AI Ops and weather prediction APIs for multimodal optimization

These integrations allowed the port’s analytics team to experiment with quantum scheduling under real-world constraints.

Strategic Alignment and European Leadership in Quantum Logistics

The project aligns with the Dutch government’s National Growth Fund, which supports quantum innovation under the Quantum Delta NL program.

Rotterdam aims to be a smart port benchmark—demonstrating:

• EU data sovereignty in maritime tech

• Carbon and time savings via better resource scheduling

• Scalability of quantum models across other EU ports (Antwerp, Hamburg, Le Havre)

Outlook: Toward Full-Scale Quantum Deployment

Based on early success, Rotterdam plans to:

• Expand quantum optimization to rail and barge scheduling

• Feed quantum predictions into automated crane systems

• Build in-house quantum talent through academic partnerships

The goal is to evolve from simulation to live operational integration by 2024, as hardware matures and software stabilizes.

Conclusion: Rotterdam Sets the Quantum Course for Maritime Logistics

This pilot marks a significant turning point in quantum logistics, proving that hybrid quantum algorithms can address real-world problems today.

As QC Ware, IBM, and the Port of Rotterdam iterate on this model, other global ports are closely watching. The race for quantum operational advantage in maritime logistics has officially begun.