About us

Royal Spido has been a household name in Rotterdam for over 100 years. Surrounded by the busy ocean-going and inland traffic, Royal Spido offers the most enjoyable way to explore Rotterdam. Read more about the highlights of our centennial history.

Establishment 1919

In 1919, D.G. van Beuningen founded Havendienst Spido. Its purpose was to transport workers and other passengers to ships lying on power. In the 1920s and 1930s, Spido expanded with mail transport and started organizing round trips, including to Waalhaven Airport. These round trips attracted large crowds and soon became the main activity of the shipping company.

Flourishing of the ports

During the reconstruction of Rotterdam, the company experienced golden years. Thanks to Spido, thousands of visitors witnessed the recovery and flourishing of the ports. In view of the construction of the new port areas Botlek, Europoort and Maasvlakte, Spido expanded the number of round trips and invested in luxurious ships that offered more comfort and dining options. Under the leadership of director-owner Leo Blok, further professionalization took place in the 21st century, as well as a broadening of activities to include events and themed tours.

1924: Ambulance boats
On July 26, 1920, Rotterdam opened Waalhaven airport. The city had a first with the construction of an airport for civil aviation, as Schiphol was still a military airport in those days.
1940: Halt on all activities. The war years were tough for Spido. Spido suffered considerable material damage.
On the night of Jan. 31, 1953, the dikes broke and large parts of Zeeland, the South Holland islands and West Brabant were hit by the North Sea flood.
1958: On June 7, 1958, six hundred Rotterdammers were the first to take Spido’s flagship Erasmus to the Delta Works under construction in the Haringvliet.
1979: Spido and the port strikes
1998: In 1996, Rotterdam was again the scene of the World Port Days. Anyone interested in the ins and outs of the world port of Rotterdam was in for a treat that day. Spido was an important part of the festivities. The company organized a ‘festival tour’ especially for the event, consisting of a harbour cruise, a buffet and live entertainment.
2000: In 2000, Spido decided to give the fleet a more modern look. Many ships at that time were outdated and no longer met the demands of the time. The first new ship that Spido introduced was the Abel Tasman.
2004: In December 1993, Spido moved “temporarily” from its familiar Willemskade to Leuvehoofd because the company had to make way for the construction of the Erasmus Bridge.
2018: The royal family has used Spido boats during special events for generations.
2019: ‘Venster op de Rotterdamse haven’ book
2019: Spido may call itself royal
2019: Baptism Princess Amalia

100 years of Spido

One hundred years after its founding, Spido is still one of Rotterdam’s top attractions. Aboard the tour boats, the general public can learn about the activity at shipyards, impressive ocean-going vessels and the efficient handling of millions of containers. Moreover, from the water, Spido offers a beautiful and fascinating view of the dynamic city and its ever-changing skyline.

Don’t miss the boat