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An important collaboration

This week, the contract signings between the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) and Thales took place at De Haas Shipyards at RDM. As lead partner of the consortium, De Haas Shipyards had the honour of hosting this important milestone at its shipyard in Rotterdam.

This signing marks the official launch of the Dutch Naval Design – USV Alliance (USVAL). Together with its partners, the alliance is taking an important step towards the development of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The aim is to enhance situational awareness and improve the detection of potential underwater threats.

Through an innovative collaborative approach, the partners are combining their expertise to develop a more effective and capable system. The first phase involves the construction of a prototype, which will be used to test and refine the vessel's design, autonomous capabilities, navigational safety, and the integration of its various systems.

The knowledge and insights gained from the prototype will then be applied to the construction of the operational vessels. In doing so, the partners will help strengthen the Royal Netherlands Navy's operational capabilities and ensure continued awareness of potential threats beneath the surface.

_Photo: Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT)_

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Collaboration

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Floating Pavilion back on RDM

The Floating Pavilion was moved to its final location in the Dokhaven on Tuesday, 4 October, 2022.

The Pavilion was created at RDM in 2010 as an example of climate-proof building and has served as an exhibition and event location in the Rijnhaven for the past few years.

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences is renting the pavilion from Gemeente Rotterdam for the next few years. At RDM, it will be given a new use as the college’s educational and event location. The Floating Pavilion will become part of the energy transition lab for innovative hydrogen applications in the Dokhaven.

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Events

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New team member

We are pleased to welcome our new team member, Karlijn. She would like to introduce herself:

"My name is Karlijn van de Kamp, and as Business Development Manager, I focus on attracting and connecting companies that want to contribute to the innovations of the future.

From the Rotterdam Makers District, consisting of the innovation areas RDM and M4H, I work to strengthen an ecosystem where businesses, education, research institutions and government come together. It is a place where ideas are developed, tested and scaled into solutions that create real impact.

Within the Rotterdam Makers District, startups, scale-ups, makers and established organisations collaborate on challenges related to the energy transition, the circular use of resources, and the maritime and offshore sectors. These innovations not only contribute to a more sustainable society but are also essential to the future of the Port of Rotterdam.

After all, an innovative port is a strong port. By providing space for new technologies, entrepreneurship and talent, the Port of Rotterdam remains economically competitive, attractive to businesses and investors, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. What is developed today at RDM and M4H can make a difference tomorrow for the port and the industries of the future.

My ambition is to help companies discover everything the Rotterdam Makers District has to offer and connect them with the opportunities, partners and networks within this unique ecosystem. Together, we are building an innovative region where economic growth, societal impact and sustainability go hand in hand.

I invite you to visit and experience it for yourself."

_Photo: Mickpunt_

Other news

New team member

Floating Pavilion back on RDM