Agreement on cross-border transport and permanent storage of CO2
(Posted on 27/06/23)
Belgium and the Netherlands have outlined plans for the transport and storage of CO2 between Belgium and the Netherlands. This first step is important if the industry in North Sea Port is to reduce CO2 emissions by half by 2030 and be climate neutral by 2050.
Belgium and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on capturing, transporting and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes and power plants that make use of fossil fuels. This process begins with the capture of CO2 emissions, after which the gas is safely transported to suitable storage sites, such as rock formations deep underground or empty oil and gas fields.There the CO2 is permanently stored, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to the greenhouse effect. An important technology for large-scale use in the short term. An important technology to reduce CO2 emissions on a large scale in the short term. As electrification, the use of renewable hydrogen and the reuse of CO2 increase, permanent storage of CO2 will become less necessary.
Empty gas fields in the North Sea are suitable for storing this CO2. Prior to doing so, arrangements had to be made for the cross-border transport of CO2. In accordance with the 'London Protocol', these are now being put in place by means of a Memorandum of Understanding. This bilateral agreement sets out the conditions that must be met to allow transport between the two countries. It also nominates the national authorities responsible for issuing the necessary permits for transportation.
"Various companies in the port area will be investing in CO2 terminals and pipeline infrastructure." – Daan Schalck, CEO North Sea Port
Daan Schalck, CEO North Sea Port: "The bilateral agreement between Belgium and the Netherlands moves the collaborative projects in the cross-border port forwards. Companies will start capturing and storing CO2 instead of emitting it before 2030. Various companies in the port area are investing in CO2 terminals and pipeline infrastructure. Pipeline transport is clearly the most attractive option. This agreement represents an important first step in establishing the necessary cross-border infrastructure. North Sea Port is ready to take the next step and help facilitate cross-border cooperation, so bringing the achievement of a climate-neutral port and the European climate goals one step closer."
The Memorandum of Understanding setting out the practical arrangements for the transport and storage of CO2 was signed as part of the Dutch state visit to Belgium from 20-22 June. The agreement was signed by Belgian Minister of the North Sea Vincent Van Quickenborne, Flemish Minister of Environment and Energy Zuhal Demir, Walloon Minister of Climate and Energy Philippe Henry and Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens.
Latest News
Hamburg and Estonia deepen strategic port cooperation
(Posted on 29/05/26)Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr Melanie Leonhard, has welcomed Estonia’s Minister... Read more
Associated British Ports appoints new Group Head of Property
(Posted on 29/05/26)Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator and one of the UK’s biggest... Read more
Associated British Ports appoints new Group Head of Property
(Posted on 29/05/26)Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator and one of the UK’s biggest... Read more
King and Minister open Rotterdam section of Netherlands hydrogen network
(Posted on 25/05/26)King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has symbolically activated the first section of the national... Read more
Collaboration to explore alternative export hub on UAE East Coast
(Posted on 22/05/26)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Hamilton welcomes new $135-million Sucro Can sugar refinery
(Posted on 14/05/26)Sucro Can Canada and HOPA Ports marked the official opening of Sucro Can’s new sugar refinery,... Read more
New Liebherr MHC enhances Belfast Harbour’s bulk handling capabilities
(Posted on 13/05/26)Belfast Harbour has made its latest investment in the development of the port with the arrival of a... Read more
Riga and AD Ports MoU marks new phase of cooperation
(Posted on 11/05/26)A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in Riga between Abu Dhabi-based, publicly traded global... Read more
International conference “all about ports” launches in Hamburg
(Posted on 11/05/26)As an international conference accompanied by an exhibition, all about ports will address key future... Read more
ADMA satellite agreement to enhance efficient routing of minerals and agri products
(Posted on 04/05/26)Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), the Middle East region’s leading academic institution for maritime... Read more
