The Rotterdam Harbor Conference

The Digitalisation of the Rotterdam Harbour: Navigating Legal Challenges in a Connected World

A full day of lectures in the heart of Rotterdam, bringing together academia and practice at Erasmus University.

The 3rd edition of the Rotterdam Conference on Maritime Law continues to build on a strong and growing tradition within ELSA The Netherlands. Hosted at Erasmus University Rotterdam, and organised in collaboration with key partners: TTLA and RMSC, together with Waves Group and De Reede Advocatuur  sponsoring, the conference brought  together students, academics, and professionals in Europe’s largest port. 

This year, the focus shifted from commercial and corporate aspects towards digitalisation and emerging technologies shaping the maritime sector.

As highlighted in the programme, the conference explored topics such as cybersecurity in the maritime sector, smart shipping, AI in port logistics, and data governance—demonstrating how technological innovation is transforming maritime law and practice

Experience

Organising this conference was a truly rewarding experience, bringing together months of preparation into one impactful day.

From the early planning stages to the final execution, the Rotterdam Conference represented a significant milestone. The process involved close collaboration with partners, coordination with speakers, and careful development of a programme that reflects both academic depth and practical relevance.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of expert-led lectures, gaining insight into how digital transformation is reshaping legal frameworks within the maritime sector. Beyond the academic programme, the conference also created space for networking, discussion, and exchange—bridging the gap between students and professionals.

Moments like these highlight the essence of Seminars & Conferences—where legal education meets real-world impact.