The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, has launched a pilot funding programme to support initiatives that will reduce emissions from logistics and industrial activities within its boundaries. The Carbonbid scheme offers up to €700,000 in funding for any organisation presenting a ‘clear and actionable reduction solution’ that can be implemented within four years and is not already regulated under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
With a total fund of €3.5 million, the Port of Rotterdam Authority intends to promote innovation in emissions-reduction programmes within the port. At least five projects will be awarded up to €700,000, with the priority given to those proposals demonstrating the greatest cost-efficiency in emissions reductions.
Carbonbid is open to submissions from a diverse range of participants from across the port ecosystem, including tenants, external service providers, start-ups, and equipment manufacturers. All proposals must demonstrate a minimum projected reduction of 100 tonnes of GHG emissions and must be implemented within the port area by 2030.
The programme explicitly excludes emissions that are already regulated under the EU ETS, such as those from large, energy-intensive facilities. As a result, the Port Authority is directing resources toward small and mid-sized firms, as well as to decarbonising operational activities, which are typically underregulated but cumulatively significant in their carbon output.
This initiative is part of the Port of Rotterdam’s broader decarbonisation strategy, which includes rental incentives for sustainable operations, agreements on emissions targets with key tenants, and ongoing investments in alternative fuels and carbon capture infrastructure.
Matthijs van Doorn, Vice President, Commercial at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented on the Carbonbid initiative: ‘We are already working on many different projects for the energy and raw materials transition, and since last year we’ve been negotiating agreements with companies based in the port to reduce their emissions. Customers who invest in sustainability will receive a discount on their rent.
‘Carbonbid is a pilot project aimed at discovering whether targeted financial assistance can make it more attractive for companies to accelerate the reduction of emissions in the port area. This allows us to tap into the knowledge and creativity of entrepreneurs themselves. After all, they know best what works in practice.’
Applications are open until 18 July 2025, with contracts expected to be finalised in January 2026.
