Ankerpunten
- Biennial government talks between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia in Port House
- Dialogue on energy infrastructure and the Clean Industrial Deal during the Energy Talks
- The port as a hub for hydrogen imports and CO₂ exports, and as an industrial connection to Germany and Europe
A Gateway to Europe and a link in the chain of sustainable industrial growth
Within Europe, Germany is Port of Antwerp-Bruges' main export partner and the second-largest country of origin of imported goods. Thanks to reliable connections by rail, inland navigation and pipelines, the port is heavily intertwined with the industrial regions of Germany, and North Rhine-Westphalia is one of its most important partners. The port's strategic partnership with duisport (Duisburger Hafen AG), the world's largest inland port, strengthens that connection. Together, the ports are investing in cross-border infrastructure and green industrial corridors. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is therefore not only an essential trading platform for the German economy but also a logistics and industrial hub within Europe.
A catalyst of industrial transformation
Energy transition is no longer a vision for the future, but an urgent reality and Port of Antwerp-Bruges is taking the lead in that regard. For example, it is building a large-scale carbon transport network, and is investing in facilities for the importation of low-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels. By 2030, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to import one million tons of hydrogen equivalents a year – not only for Belgium, but also as an energy source for industrial clusters in Germany and in other European countries.
All these projects are actively enabling the European Clean Industrial Deal, the focus of which is to create a competitive and climate-neutral industry, to become a reality. In addition to investments, this transition requires stable long-term policies and cross-border cooperation. The close relationship with Germany and duisport is a tangible example of this.
Ports as anchors of European resilience
During the government session, Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia confirmed their shared ambition regarding renewable energy, the circular economy and knowledge sharing. The Energy Talks brought these goals to life and emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges sees this multilateral cooperation as a key to success. In a context of geopolitical tensions, scarce raw materials and competitiveness, Europe's ports have the potential to become stable anchors of energy security and climate resilience. At the same time, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is poised to act as a bridge between continents, further strengthening Europe's sustainable future.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “We have the honour to welcome the governments of Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia to our port, together with leaders from the industrial, port and energy sectors. 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.
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Matthias Diependaele, minister-president of Flanders: “The cooperation between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia demonstrates how strong regions can make a difference in Europe. Linking our economies, ports and innovation power enables us to work together to build a competitive and resilient future for our citizens and businesses.
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Hendrik Wüst, minister-president of North Rhine-Westphalia: “Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia are Europe's engines of innovation. Our close partnership demonstrates how effective cross-border cooperation can be – for example with the Einstein Telescope, which we want to realize in the border region of the three countries Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The establishment of an AI Gigafactory would also be a flagship project with European significance. It would not only closely connect research institutions, developer ecosystems, start-ups, and SMEs in both regions, but also create new innovation spaces, value chains, and international competitiveness. 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.
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Johan Klaps, Vice Mayor for the Port and Economy City of Antwerp / President of the board Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “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 center stage.
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