Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges call for swift implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal

Feb 26, 2025

Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcome the Clean Industrial Deal, through which the European Commission intends to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. The ports support the strategy for bundling economic strength and a sustainable transition, emphasising that now is the time to concretise the announced measures. In the current geopolitical context, a stronger, more independent Europe is more urgent than ever.

The CEOs of both port authorities regularly hear from the companies in the ports, and their international headquarters, that they are reconsidering their presence and investments in Europe. CEOs Siemons and Vandermeiren: "There is no single, straightforward solution; it involves multiple actions. If we want to preserve our industry and prosperity for future generations, words have to be turned into deeds now."

In presenting the package of measures, the European Commission is also calling (on national governments) to take steps in the short term in the area of energy prices, infrastructure coordination and EU regulation. These aspects are some of the biggest challenges for companies in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Rhine-Ruhr area, one of Europe's most important industrial regions and the fourth largest chemical cluster in the world. The ports therefore endorse the idea that a European approach has to go hand in hand with national measures.

Three items in the package are particularly important for the ports:

Relieving pressure on energy costs
It is positive that the European Commission recognises how crucial energy prices are for industry. The 'Action Plan for Affordable Energy,' the impact of which should be felt in 2025 already, comes not a moment too soon for the ports. Targeted measures are necessary to reduce investment risks in the production and purchase of renewable energy.
The crucial role of hydrogen
The fact that hydrogen is seen as an important component in the decarbonisation of the European energy system is welcomed by Port of Rotterdam and Port of Antwerp-Bruges. But besides local production, imports are necessary to provide Europe with sufficient energy. To get the hydrogen market definitively up and running, the European definitions of, and criteria for, 'renewable hydrogen' must be revised as rapidly as possible.
Infrastructure as the backbone of the transition
The ports support the Commission's ambition to work on interconnectivity and the further construction of energy infrastructure. The announced 'Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act', which aims to simplify permitting procedures, is an important step. Investment in energy infrastructure between industrial clusters is the basis for the effective import, production, distribution and storage of renewable and low-carbon energy and raw materials in Europe.

Cooperation between industry clusters and governments
The European Commission has reiterated its intention to work more closely with industry. The fact that it is taking this seriously can also be seen in its presentation of the plans at the European Industry Summit meeting in Antwerp today, exactly one year after the publication of the Antwerp Declaration. Ursula von der Leyen and her fellow European Commissioners sat down with around 200 CEOs and representatives from industry, including the CEOs of Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever was also in attendance.

The ports are pleased that the Commission has included working with industrial clusters in its plans. Europe's two largest ports connect flows of goods and energy to businesses and consumers far into the hinterland. The ports had previously expressed a desire to play a leading role in the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal. In this regard, they are calling for an approach that focuses on strengthening international chains and industrial clusters, rather than specific regions or sectors. The ports want to take the lead by working together more intensively within the cross-border cluster. They are now exploring various possibilities for collaboration to this end, including new infrastructure for the energy transition.

Reaction from the CEOs
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO Port of Rotterdam: "Europe is confronted with the challenge of maintaining its industrial base while making it more sustainable. As port authorities, we are making substantial investments in large-scale transition projects, and are currently working with partners to build new infrastructure at our ports. Together, we must now make it possible for companies to also invest in the new economy. An effective and consistent industrial policy from the EU and national governments is an important prerequisite in this regard."

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "We welcome the Clean Industrial Deal presented by Ursula Von der Leyen in Antwerp. This marks an important step in strengthening European industry. Now is the time for concrete action, with targeted measures and clarity so that companies can invest in a sustainable and competitive future. With various partners, companies and governments, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam are working together to help strengthen European industry and perpetuate its strategic position."