Port Technology International — 2026-10-01
Maritime and Ports
Five Dutch seaports are urging European policymakers to turn the European Ports Strategy into practical, funded measures.
They say greater certainty is needed to unlock investment in sustainable energy, infrastructure and port resilience.
The port authorities of Amsterdam, Groningen Seaports, Moerdijk, Rotterdam and North Sea Port made the call during a meeting in Brussels on 29 September, where they presented their joint position paper, Full Steam Ahead.
The five ports work together through the Dutch Seaports Association (BOZ).
The European Commission presented its European Ports Strategy in March 2026, recognising ports as strategic hubs for trade, industry, energy and security. The strategy addresses port competitiveness, the energy transition, security and access to finance.
The Dutch ports said the strategy represents progress, but that its impact will depend on how its priorities are implemented.
Their position paper identifies three areas requiring greater clarity: investment certainty, agreements on strategic port infrastructure and cross-border cooperation.
The ports said major investment in energy infrastructure, quays, rail and inland waterway connections and facilities for new energy carriers will require predictable policy, regulation and funding.
They are calling for long-term agreements to remain possible and for funding mechanisms that support major infrastructure projects.
They also want new regulations to improve port security and resilience without creating unnecessary delays to investment.
The ports also highlighted the growing importance of infrastructure with both civilian and military applications. Quays, rail links, waterways, energy facilities and storage sites support commercial activity while also contributing to military mobility and wider European resilience.
The five authorities support greater recognition of this dual-use infrastructure, but want the EU to clarify responsibility for its development, protection and financing.
They also called for closer coordination between port authorities, governments and businesses.
With trade, energy and industrial supply chains extending across national borders, the ports said investment and regulation should not be considered solely at member-state level.
Greater cooperation between ports and industrial clusters could help coordinate energy infrastructure, hinterland connections, military mobility and economic security, according to the group.
Representatives of the five ports discussed the proposals with Members of the European Parliament Sérgio Gonçalves, Willemien Koning and Sara Matthieu. Gonçalves is the Parliament’s rapporteur on the European Ports Strategy file.
The meeting was moderated by Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), who said: “Investing in ports is investing in Europe.”
The Dutch ports said they will continue engaging with European policymakers, ports and industry as the European Parliament develops its position on the strategy.