The Port of Rotterdam Authority has signed letters of intent with four new companies for projects that will boost sustainability, improve efficiency and make the port smarter.
Agreed during the fourth edition of PortXL, an annual innovation programme in which start-ups receive intensive coaching from private-sector experts, the firms that will partner with Rotterdam include Richtlijn Geodesie, Flower Turbines, Ladar Ltd and Planys Tech.
According to a statement, the support of the port authority will drive the development of these companies, whose products range from compact wind turbines to smart sensors that can be installed along quay walls.
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Working alongside Richtlijn Geodesie, Rotterdam will determine the feasibility of a pilot project involving the installation of these sensors in various locations.
With Flower Turbines, the port will conduct a joint study into the sustainable, decentralized generation of power for ongoing projects.
Ladar Ltd and Planys Tech will also offer new solutions to Rotterdam – such as laser technology and remote-controlled vessels – that will be used to provide increased insight into the safety and status of shipping traffic around the port.
A total of 16 start-ups participated in the most recent edition of PortXL, and while it didn’t make the list of four companies, wave converter specialists Eco Wave Power did receive a “Letter of Support” from Rotterdam.