The Port of Rotterdam Authority will begin a pilot on 1 May in which the Rozenburg and Maassluis sectors will be temporarily merged into a single so-called supersector during specific periods. The pilot will run until 1 November 2026. The Port Authority wants to assess whether this method can contribute to a more balanced workload during quieter periods.
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In the port of Rotterdam, shipping traffic is divided into 11 geographical sectors, each of which is monitored and supervised by Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), the traffic management service of the Harbour Master’s Division that ensures safe, smooth and efficient shipping traffic. Each sector has its own VTS operator who informs and advises vessels and, where necessary, provides instructions about sailing routes, traffic situations, weather and water levels, and specific details in the sailing area.
During the pilot, the Maassluis and Rozenburg sectors will be structurally linked at weekends and on weekday nights, from 10.30 pm to 6.30 am. Outside these periods, the existing sector layout remains unchanged. Traffic control within the supersector is managed from the Rozenburg sector. During these periods, both sectors function as a single work area for one VTS operator.
Preventing underload
The pilot is the result of a study into the workload within the Maassluis sector. This showed that there are periods of lower shipping traffic, especially at night and at weekends. This means that VTS operators therefore have to remain alert for long periods while relatively little happens. Together with VTS operators and VTS supervisors, we therefore looked at how the work can be better organised during these quieter periods. The temporary link between the Maassluis and Rozenburg sectors therefore appears to be a logical and safe solution.
One VTS operator is then expected to be able to supervise a larger area responsibly. This should make the work more active and balanced, while maintaining safety and oversight. This helps prevent underload and keeps both operational attention and alertness at a consistent level.
Safety comes first
‘We want to organise our work so that VTS operators remain alert and active even during less busy periods,’ says (State) Harbour Master René de Vries. ‘At the same time, the safety of shipping traffic is absolutely paramount. With this pilot, we are investigating whether a more flexible sector layout can help with this, without compromising safety or efficiency. The ability to decouple the sectors immediately if necessary remains an essential prerequisite.’
Communication with the shipping industry remains unchanged and takes place via the usual and familiar VHF channels. In addition, an additional VTS operator will always be present at the Port of Rotterdam Authority traffic centres. This allows the supersector to be decoupled at any time if circumstances require it, for example in the case of increased traffic or special situations.
Evaluation after 1 November
After the pilot, an evaluation will follow. The harbour master will use the findings to determine whether and how this approach can be continued or adapted in the future.