Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2025-02-26
Members Corner
Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcome the Clean Industrial Deal with which the European Commission aims to strengthen the competitive position of European industry. The ports support the strategy for combining economic strength and sustainable transition, and emphasise that it is now time to implement 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 companies in the ports and their international headquarters that they are considering their presence and investments in Europe. CEOs Siemons and Vandermeiren: “There is no single simple solution; it is a sum of actions. If we want to preserve our industry and prosperity for future generations, words must now be turned into actions.”
When presenting the package of measures, the European Commission also calls (on national governments) to take steps in the short term in the areas of energy prices, infrastructure coordination and EU regulations. These factors are among the greatest challenges for companies in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Rhine-Ruhr area, one of the most important industrial areas in Europe and the fourth largest chemical cluster worldwide. The ports therefore endorse the fact that a European approach must go hand in hand with national measures.
Three points from the package are of most importance to the ports:
1. Pressure on energy costs
It is positive that the European Commission recognises how decisive energy prices are for industry. The 'Action Plan for Affordable Energy', the effects of which should be felt by 2025, is not a moment too soon for the ports. Targeted measures are needed to limit investment risks in the production and consumption of renewable energy.
2. Crucial role of hydrogen
The Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcome the fact that hydrogen is seen as an important component in the decarbonisation of the European energy system. However, in addition to local production, imports are also necessary to provide Europe with sufficient energy. In order to finally get the hydrogen market going, the European definitions of, and criteria for, 'renewable hydrogen' must be revised as soon as possible.
3. Infrastructure as the backbone of transition
The ports support the Commission's ambition to work on interconnectivity and the further development of energy infrastructure. The announced 'Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act', which should simplify permitting procedures, is an important step. Investments in energy infrastructure between industrial clusters form the basis for effective import, production, distribution and storage of renewable and low-carbon energy and raw materials in Europe.
Collaboration between industry clusters and governments
The European Commission emphasises its desire to work more closely with industry. The fact that it takes this seriously is also evident from its presentation of the plans at the meeting of the European industry summit in Antwerp today, exactly one year after the publication of the Antwerp Declaration. Ursula von der Leyen and her fellow European Commissioners spoke to around two hundred CEOs and representatives of industry, including the CEOs of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever was also present.
The ports are pleased that the Commission has included working with industrial clusters in its plans. The two largest European ports connect goods and energy flows to companies and consumers far into the hinterland. The ports previously indicated that they would like to play a leading role in the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. They advocated an approach that focuses on strengthening international chains and industrial clusters, rather than focusing on regions or sectors. By working together more intensively within the cross-border cluster themselves, the ports want to take the lead. To this end, they are now investigating various cooperation options, including new infrastructure for the energy transition.
CEOs' Response
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We welcome the Clean Industrial Deal that was presented by Ursula Von der Leyen in Antwerp. This marks an important step in strengthening European industry. Concrete action is now needed, with targeted measures and clarity so that companies can invest in a sustainable and competitive future. Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam are working together with various partners, companies and governments to help strengthen European industry and anchor its strategic position.”
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO Port of Rotterdam: “Europe is facing the challenge of maintaining its industrial base while making it more sustainable. As port companies, we are investing heavily in large-scale transition projects, which means that we are now building new infrastructure in our ports together with partners. We must now work together to enable companies to invest in the new economy. A strong and consistent industrial policy from the EU and national governments is an important condition for this.”