The rise of the port city

In the early 19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, Rotterdam transformed through steam technology in shipping. Gerhard Moritz Roentgen, a former naval officer, founded the Nederlandsche Stoomboot Maatschappij in 1823. His vision led to the establishment of Etablissement Fijenoord, across the water.

What started as a repair shop grew into a large shipyard. The first Dutch steamship, De Nederlande, was built here. Roentgen experimented with improvements, sometimes with setbacks, but Fijenoord became a leader in steamships for trade and towing. By 1843, 700 to 1,100 people worked there, making it one of the largest companies in the Netherlands.Iron steamships were lighter, stronger, cheaper, and fireproof. Initially handmade, machines were later used, like for riveting. By the late 19th century, steamships had replaced nearly all sailing ships in merchant shipping.

Roentgen’s work laid the foundation for the transport revolution after 1870. Steam trains and ships made transport faster and more efficient. Worldwide, railways and canals were built. Roentgen died in 1852, but his influence was key for Rotterdam’s rise as an industrial port city.