Call for swift implementation of Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal
(Posted on 01/03/25)
The Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges have welcomed the Clean Industrial Deal, through which the European Commission intends to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. The ports support the strategy for bundling economic strength and a sustainable transition, emphasising that now is the time to concretise the announced measures. In the current geopolitical context, a stronger, more independent Europe is more urgent than ever.
The CEOs of both port authorities regularly hear from the companies in the ports, and their international headquarters, that they are reconsidering their presence and investments in Europe. CEOs Siemons and Vandermeiren: "There is no single, straightforward solution; it involves multiple actions. If we want to preserve our industry and prosperity for future generations, words have to be turned into deeds now."
In presenting the package of measures, the European Commission is also calling (on national governments) to take steps in the short term in the area of energy prices, infrastructure coordination and EU regulation. These aspects are some of the biggest challenges for companies in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Rhine-Ruhr area, one of Europe's most important industrial regions and the fourth largest chemical cluster in the world. The ports therefore endorse the idea that a European approach has to go hand in hand with national measures.
Three items in the package are particularly important for the ports:
1. Relieving pressure on energy costs
It is positive that the European Commission recognises how crucial energy prices are for industry. The 'Action Plan for Affordable Energy,' the impact of which should be felt in 2025 already, comes not a moment too soon for the ports. Targeted measures are necessary to reduce investment risks in the production and purchase of renewable energy.
2. The crucial role of hydrogen
The fact that hydrogen is seen as an important component in the decarbonisation of the European energy system is welcomed by Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges. But besides local production, imports are necessary to provide Europe with sufficient energy. To get the hydrogen market definitively up and running, the European definitions of, and criteria for, 'renewable hydrogen' must be revised as rapidly as possible.
3. Infrastructure as the backbone of the transition
The ports support the Commission's ambition to work on interconnectivity and the further construction of energy infrastructure. The announced 'Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act', which aims to simplify permitting procedures, is an important step. Investment in energy infrastructure between industrial clusters is the basis for the effective import, production, distribution and storage of renewable and low-carbon energy and raw materials in Europe.
The European Commission has reiterated its intention to work more closely with industry. The fact that it is taking this seriously can also be seen in its presentation of the plans at the European Industry Summit meeting in Antwerp today, exactly one year after the publication of the Antwerp Declaration. Ursula von der Leyen and her fellow European Commissioners sat down with around 200 CEOs and representatives from industry, including the CEOs of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever was also in attendance.
The ports are pleased that the Commission has included working with industrial clusters in its plans. Europe's two largest ports connect flows of goods and energy to businesses and consumers far into the hinterland. The ports had previously expressed a desire to play a leading role in the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal.
Latest News
Cas König joins North Sea Port as new CEO
(Posted on 18/03/25)North Sea Port Supervisory Body has appointed Cas König as the port authority's new CEO. Kö... Read more
Inspirational leader, Trois-Rivières Port President and CEO, Bovin to retire this year
(Posted on 12/03/25)After 19 years at the helm of the Port of Trois-Rivières and a career rich in major projects,... Read more
State-of-the-art cranes for Egyptian multipurpose cargo terminal
(Posted on 06/03/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, an enabler of integrated trade, transport and logistics solutions, has... Read more
Canadian Government invests $87.1M in Trois-Rivières Terminals project
(Posted on 28/02/25)The Canadian Port of Trois-Rivières is delighted to have received major funding of $87.1 million... Read more
Katoen Natie invests in four all-electric Konecranes Gottwald MHCs
(Posted on 15/02/25)Belgian logistics giant Katoen Natie has ordered four all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor... Read more
AD Ports reports another year of record results
(Posted on 14/02/25)AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi based enabler of integrated trade, transport and logistics solutions, has... Read more
Planned major works cause dry bulk traffic drop in Trois-Rivières
(Posted on 10/02/25)In 2024, 3.5 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo transited through the Port of Trois-Rivières... Read more
North Sea Port and Canadian ports intensive cooperation
(Posted on 07/02/25)North Sea Port will cooperate intensively with the Canadian ports of Montréal, Québec,... Read more
AD Ports 50-year land lease with Al Ain Mills for grains storage
(Posted on 07/02/25)AD Ports Group has signed a 50-year land lease agreement with Al Ain Mills, a member of Al Hazaa Investment... Read more
Lagging iron ore offsets export surge in Duluth
(Posted on 31/01/25)Total waterborne tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior declined 6.8 percent compared to the 2023... Read more
