Connect 2025 sets out North Sea Port’s ambitions for further development as a European port

Connect 2025 sets out North Sea Port’s ambitions for further development as a European port

‘Connect 2025’ is the strategic plan which sets out the North Sea Port ambitions for developing the cross-border port area in the years to come. Key to this development is North Sea Port’s commitment to economic development and employment, sustainability and climate, and to build a sound financial foundation. The shareholders expect North Sea Port to strike a balance between these responsibilities. The Port Authority will play a decisive role as connector in their special relationships with companies, public authorities and local communities.

Three core tasks, eight programmes

In order to achieve this, the Dutch-Flemish port authority is required to focus on its three core tasks: developing business sites and port infrastructure, providing nautical services and the role of director – connector – in the port area.

The Port Authority has adopted 8 strategic programmes in order to continue the port’s development as a top European port. They are focused on:

• Investing in circular value chains
• Investing in energy projects
• Investing in climate
• Strong logistics chains
• Futureproof infrastructure
• Digitalisation and data community
• Working with local stakeholders
• Acting as the connector between cooperating parties

We are developing 150 hectares for the circular economy, further expanding the reuse of CO2, continuing our growth as Western Europe’s leading hydrogen cluster, committing to enhanced electrification, making the logistics chain sustainable, building infrastructure in consultation with businesses and public authorities and striving to increase digitisation.

Daan Schalck, CEO of North Sea Port

Seven spearhead sectors

North Sea Port plays host to a very diverse range of activities. The Port Authority’s first priority is to preserve and consolidate existing activities and related employment. In order to strengthen its market position, the Port Authority will be focusing on 7 spearhead sectors: chemicals, steel, construction materials, energy, automotive, food and feed and value-added logistics.

It is also strongly committed to growth in the circular economy and the energy sector. Moreover, these sectors with growth potential are woven into the seven spearhead sectors.

Investing in the circular economy

The circular economy is an important pillar in achieving the ambitions of climate-neutral Europe. Many ports in Europe focus on attracting circular projects. North Sea Port has a head start: old processes, where oil and coal are being used, are already being phased out. The port authority wants to transform towards the circular economy in stages.

The Port Authority is committed to boost the use of these renewable raw materials. Chains are emerging for the recovery or recycling of goods (such as hot water, steam, heat, scrap, bio-based chemicals, Carbon Capture and Use (CCU)).

The market for circular projects is large and growing fast. This enables North Sea Port to select for circular activities that will improve the port. To this end, the port authority is providing plenty of space and the right infrastructure. By 2025, it aims to have a cluster area of 150 hectares available for circular projects and to attract at least 10 innovative circular activities involving innovative technologies or processes. Those activities must be complementary to the 7 spearhead sectors in order to remain focused on the future.

The development of a circular economy will require extensive cooperation. Investing in the circular economy is one of the 8 strategic programmes to boost a circular economy in the port area. The Port Authority is encouraging customers to set up cycles, seeking new parties, such as research institutes and startups that can contribute to circularity.