Posted on April 13, 2026
The Harbour Coordination Centre (HCC) is ready for the future after undergoing extensive renovations. Vessel planning and admission are managed in this ‘beating heart of the port of Rotterdam’. In keeping with nautical tradition, Deputy Mayor Robert Simons and Berte Simons (Port of Rotterdam Authority COO) jointly struck a commemorative coin on Wednesday afternoon 8 April, at the reopening of the renewed HCC.
The HCC runs at full capacity, day and night, 365 days a year. From smooth shipping planning to directing incident response, everything comes together in this command centre to keep the port safe, efficient and future-proof. That is no easy task, as it involves more than 27,000 sea-going vessels and some 93,000 inland vessels calling at the port of Rotterdam annually.
This makes the HCC indispensable to the port, states Deputy Mayor Robert Simons. ‘As a former helmsman, I know how important good coordination and control ashore are,’ says Simons. ‘That professionalism comes together in the HCC: people ensure that our port continues to function safely and smoothly, day and night. This makes the HCC an essential link for the largest port in Europe.’
‘At the helm of a complex logistical operation’
Harbour Master René de Vries emphasises the importance of the renewed HCC for the port of Rotterdam. ‘Our colleagues at the Harbour Coordination Centre are at the helm of a complex logistical operation day in and day out. They safeguard the safety and continuity of the port. After years of continuous work, a renovation became imperative. That went far beyond simply replacing furniture,’ says De Vries.
Vessel planning and admission are managed in this ‘beating heart of the port of Rotterdam’. Photo: Robin Utrecht
‘We have seized this opportunity to renew working methods and adapt the work environment accordingly. A future-proof HCC contributes to a resilient port. We are extremely proud of the result.’
Practical adjustments
One of the new features is that the HCC will from now on operate with a front office and a back office. The new layout supports this new format, with more separate spaces for meetings and project-based work. Artificial intelligence, drones and the use of smart cameras will support employees in this. A number of practical adjustments have been made to ensure HCC employees can work as comfortably as possible in this brand-new environment, whether during the day or in the dead of night.
Miranda Sagel, HCC manager, explains: ‘For example, we have biodynamic lighting in the new workspaces: light that changes colour temperature to mimic the natural progression of daylight, making it easier to stay focused while working, even at night. We have also acoustically adjusted the space so that colleagues can concentrate well, even during very busy times.’
More than just the admission of vessels
The Harbour Coordination Centre assesses every sea-going vessel approaching the port. Harbour Master’s Division employees check a vessel’s draft, any dangerous goods on board, the ISPS Code (international regulations regarding the safety level of vessels and port facilities), and the tidal levels and currents in the port area. Based on all this information, the HCC determines whether a vessel is allowed to enter the port. The actual traffic control of vessels is subsequently managed from two traffic centres in the port area.
In addition, the HCC is the reporting point for incidents in the port. When a calamity occurs – such as a fire, leak, shipping accident or other dangerous situation – the HCC ensures the activation and coordination of the appropriate operational teams and emergency services.
René de Vries (Harbour Master), Robert Simons (Deputy Mayor), Berte Simons (COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority), Miranda Sagel (HCC Manager) and Aldert Kap (HCC Team Leader) at the opening of the new HCC. Photo: Robin Utrecht
About the Harbour Master’s Division
The Harbour Master contributes to promoting the competitive position of the port of Rotterdam by handling shipping as efficiently as possible. In doing so, he collaborates with pilots, towing services, linesmen, terminals and other partners in the port. The Harbour Master is involved in many innovative solutions to increase the added value of the port for the Port of Rotterdam Authority’s clients.
René de Vries is the Harbour Master of Rotterdam. He is the head of the Harbour Master’s Division, part of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The Harbour Master’s Division ensures order and safety in the port of Rotterdam 24 hours a day. To this end, the division performs a number of public law tasks. The powers have been transferred to the Harbour Master by the State and the municipalities of Rotterdam, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Dordrecht, Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht.
