The Harbour Master of Rotterdam has introduced a mandatory permit system for providers of port towage services in the port of Rotterdam, establishing uniform quality standards within the nautical chain for the first time in the port’s history.
The permit requirement, grounded in the European Seaport Regulation and laid down in the Port Regulations, means that tugboat companies cannot offer port towage services in Rotterdam without holding a valid permit.
As of July 1, two port towage service providers have been granted permits.
The new requirements establish clear standards across several areas. Port towage service providers must demonstrate that their tugboat captains possess appropriate knowledge, training, experience and skills.
Tugs must be continuously available around the clock, throughout the year, for all clients and at all berths within the port.
Providers are also required to engage in regular consultation with other nautical service providers on working methods and procedures, strengthening coordination across the broader nautical chain.
Harbour Master René de Vries described the permit as a major step toward a stronger and more integrated nautical team, noting that the clear standards anchor collaboration between boatmen, pilots and tugs.
He highlighted the pragmatic and democratic nature of the process, which incorporated sector input and has resulted in broad industry support for the new framework.
The requirements complement regulations already in force for other nautical service providers in Rotterdam, completing a more comprehensive regulatory environment across the port’s nautical services ecosystem.
