Rotterdam releases comprehensive study on economic impact and sustainability
On March 30, a study examining how cruise activity translates into local and regional economic effects for Rotterdam – Rotterdam | Economic Impact & Sustainability of the Cruise Industry – was published.
“Every other year a study is commissioned in support of our industry to exchange correct and referenced facts,” explains Nick Hoogeweij, general manager, Cruise Port Rotterdam.
The 52-page study focuses on two main factors: expenditure by cruise guests and crew while ashore and the funds cruiselines spend locally. Additionally, it examines sustainability transitions in the cruise segment with a particular focus on ecological sustainability.
The comprehensive report provides in depth analysis of both the above factors. Here we highlight a few key points.
In 2025, cruise tourism generated significant economic effects across Europe: a total output of €62.1 billion, €28.9 billion in GDP, and approximately 455,000 jobs. Within this European context, the Netherlands ranked among the top ten beneficiary countries, with an estimated €1.01 billion in cruise-related output.
In 2025 Rotterdam received 121 calls and almost 500,000 passengers. Assuming that 80% are transit day visitors spending €115 each and 20% are embark/disembark guests spending €250 each, direct passenger outlays would total around €71 million.
In terms of crew, with 121 calls and an average of 1,000 crew members per call, with 35% taking shore leave and spending €50 per person, the crew’s total spending was around €2.2–3.1 million, depending on the shore leave rate (35–50%).
Onshore power (OPS) was activated at the Holland Amerika Kade on March 31 2025 with AIDAnova being the first cruiseship to plug in.
Shore power is analysed as a near-term intervention with a significant local impact on air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction while at berth. This intervention is now supported by EU regulations (FuelEU Maritime and AFIR) and cost signals from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
The discussion of alternative fuels evaluates operational trials with advanced biofuels, the status of LNG (including methane slip risks), and Rotterdam’s growing infrastructure for methanol and preparations for ammonia.
The study argues that Rotterdam is a major driver advancing the development of OPS, focusing on the rapid deployment of shore power and the emerging portfolio of alternative marine fuels.
(Rotterdam releases comprehensive study on economic impact and sustainability)
