On 27 June, senior representatives from the governments of Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia convened in Antwerp for a joint governmental session held at Port House. This session coincided with a policy and industry dialogue focused on energy transition and the implementation of the European Clean Industrial Deal.
Germany is the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ largest European export destination and the second-largest source of imported goods. The port maintains integrated transport links with North Rhine-Westphalia through rail, pipeline, and inland waterways. Its longstanding partnership with Duisburger Hafen AG, the operator of the world’s largest inland port, facilitates joint investments in cross-border logistics and green industrial corridors.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges has stated that the energy transition is now a strategic imperative. By 2030, it aims to import one million tonnes of hydrogen and its derivatives per year. The infrastructure currently under development will support industrial clusters in Belgium, Germany, and other European markets.
The port is also constructing a large-scale carbon transport network. The Fluxys c-grid Antwerp project, a joint venture between Fluxys Belgium, Air Liquide, and Pipelink, will connect industrial emitters in the port area to permanent CO2 storage. The first phase of the network is currently under construction and is supported by funding from the European Commission, with commissioning targeted by the end of 2026.
To support the development of an international hydrogen market, the port has joined the H2Global Foundation. The Foundation operates a double auction mechanism through its subsidiary HINT.CO, which is designed to procure green hydrogen and its derivatives at the lowest possible price and resell them through long-term contracts.
Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation and Agriculture, stated: “We are going to need sustainable hydrogen for the sustainability of our industry and heavy transport. But Flanders and Belgium are too small to produce all our own hydrogen ourselves, so we always have to look at import.”
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented: ‘As a major gateway to Europe, we play a crucial role in the energy transition – by investing in infrastructure to supply clean and affordable energy, but also by virtue of our active commitment to the decarbonisation of industry. Strategic partnerships like these are essential when it comes to building an industrial future that is both resilient and climate-neutral.’
The bilateral meeting also reaffirmed the shared priorities between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia, including the integration of renewable energy, the circular economy, and cross-border innovation.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President, Hendrik Wüst, identified the Einstein Telescope and a proposed AI Gigafactory as potential joint projects of European significance: ‘The fact that Flanders supports Germany’s bid for an AI Gigafactory is an important signal for a truly European project. Both initiatives – the AI Gigafactory and the Einstein Telescope – stand for excellence in science and technology, for new jobs, and for economic strength.’
Johan Klaps, Vice Mayor for the Port and Economy of the City of Antwerp, and President of the Board of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: ‘Ports are global pioneers in driving major transformations. With that awareness, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and duisport are also taking a leading role in the climate transition. Together with industry, we are creating positive economic prospects where sustainability and affordable energy take centre stage.’
