Breakfast Reception – Rhode Island Ocean Economy

Hosted: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 9:00 – 10:30
Location: World Port Center, Rotterdam

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is pleased to invite you to the Rhode Island Ocean Economy Breakfast Reception at the offices of Port of Rotterdam (World Port Center) bringing together leaders across Europe’s commercial maritime, ocean technology, and defense sectors to explore collaboration with one of the United States’ most dynamic ocean economies.

About Rhode Island’s Ocean Economy
Rhode Island—America’s Ocean State—hosts a rapidly expanding cluster of companies and research institutions leading advancements in autonomous maritime systems, marine robotics, shipbuilding, offshore wind, naval technologies, and advanced materials.

Reception Highlights

Learn about Rhode Island’s thriving maritime ecosystem and international partnership opportunities.
Explore commercial, R&D, and supply-chain alignment between European companies and Rhode Island firms.
Discuss defense-sector engagement in undersea systems, autonomy, sensing, and advanced manufacturing.
Connect with members of the Rhode Island delegation, industry executives, and senior government officials.

Agenda
08.15: Walk-in with breakfast
09.00: Welcome and presentations/Q&A with:

James S. Bennett, President & CEO, Rhode Island Commerce
Melody Weeks, Executive Vice President, Rhode Island Commerce
Kenzo van Maris, Business Manager Containers & North America, Port of Rotterdam: ‘Port of Rotterdam, Gateway to and from Europe’
MeeMee Ploem, Business Manager International Trade, Rotterdam Partners and InnovationQuarter

10.30: Networking drinks

Optional: Site visite Port of Rotterdam
11.00: Transfer (on your own) to Portlantis on the edge of Maasvlakte 2
12.00: Guided tour (including lunch) on the growth and development of Port of Rotterdam

Kindly note that we have limited capacity.