Presentation of new study ‘Sustainability transition in port areas in Flanders’ by Radboud University

Wednesday 1 March 2023

Atelier des Tanneurs, Glass Hall, Huidevettersstraat 58-62, 1000 Brussels

The port areas of Antwerp and Ghent are the hub of Flemish energy-intensive industries. In the coming years, these industries face a huge challenge: a rapid transition to climate neutrality. As a large part of the industry is located in port areas, port companies must also develop their own transition plans in line with European climate targets. They should be given a coordinating role in developing circular value chains, energy hubs and infrastructure, but today they do not have sufficient levers to be a real catalyst for the industrial transition.

So how can port authorities expand their capacity to implement their strategy towards climate neutrality? What levers do they need to achieve their goals? What is the role of all stakeholders in the port ecosystem – such as governments, utilities, and the companies themselves? Radboud University found out by interviewing numerous ports and stakeholders at home and abroad. They poured their findings into an interesting study.

Bond Beter Leefmilieu (BBLV) invites you to the presentation of this study. Afterwards, BBLV will enter into a debate with the ports themselves and the policymakers to discuss the findings, objectives and recommendations.

Register here

Registrations will be completed on 25 February.

Programme

12:30-13:00: Reception

13:00-13:10: Welcome by Tycho Van Hauwaert (industry policy expert at Bond Beter Leefmilieu)

13:10-13:30: Keynote by Kathleen Van Brempt (MEP S&D)

13:30-14:30: Presentation study “Dynamiek duurzaamheidstransitie havengebieden Vlaanderen’” by Dr Carlijn Hendriks (lecturer climate & energy at Radboud University – coordinator Radboud Centre for Sustainability Challenges)

14:30-15:30: Panel discussion & debate with port stakeholders

• Daan Schalck (CEO, North Sea Port)
• Guy Janssens (Chief Corporate Affairs, Port of Antwerp – Bruges)
• Elvira Haezendonck (Professor of port strategy, VUB)
• Wouter de Ruyter (Cabinet Minister for Mobility Peeters – port policy)
• Benjamin Clarysse (policy coordinator Bond Beter Leefmilieu)

Moderator: Björn Crul

15:30-17:00: Closing drink with a snack and networking opportunity

Event

The event on 1 March 2023 is part of the three-year LIFE project Emissions Trading Extra (2021-2024).  Together with a consortium of 9 other NGOs, and led by Carbon Market Watch, Bond Beter Leefmilieu is informing civil society about the ETS system and working on policy actions to improve the ETS system.

Date and location

When: Wednesday 1 March 2023 from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Where: Atelier des Tanneurs, Glass Hall, Rue de l’Huidevetters 58-62, 1000 Brussels

How to get there?

• By train: Brussels-Midi (12-minute walk)
• Tram and metro: overview at the bottom of this page
• By car: Parking Poelaert, access by lift towards the Marolles