Last week, the NSH2V Ports Project took the stage at the Wind Meets Gas Symposium 2025 in Groningen, one of the leading Dutch events on the energy transition, where industry, policymakers, and research come together to shape the future of energy in the North Sea region.
Our session focused on the strategic role of European ports in the hydrogen economy, and how they can accelerate the maritime energy transition by working together across borders.
Together with our panel, Noé van Hulst (International Energy Agency & Gasunie), Patrick Walison (Royal HaskoningDHV), Katja Naber – van der Aa (Port of Den Helder), and moderator Catrinus Jepma — we explored three key questions:
1️⃣ What is the strategic role of ports in the hydrogen economy — and how are they preparing for this shift?
2️⃣ How can we deal with new molecules like hydrogen and methanol — in terms of storage, infrastructure, and vessel readiness?
3️⃣ What does it take to build scalable Maritime Hydrogen Valleys that connect regional initiatives across the North Sea?
The discussion made one thing very clear: ports are not just gateways for goods and energy, they are strategic players in Europe’s decarbonization journey. As hydrogen enters port areas, safety, spatial design, and regulatory readiness will become decisive factors for success.
Our speakers emphasized that collaboration is no longer optional. To scale hydrogen infrastructure effectively, ports must align on standards, permitting processes, and spatial planning, ensuring that lessons learned in one region can be transferred to another. By sharing challenges and solutions, ports can accelerate innovation and build trust across the value chain.
One key takeaway was the importance of starting small, but thinking big. Pilot projects and regional initiatives are crucial to test new technologies, safety frameworks, and bunkering solutions — while keeping the long-term vision of a connected, hydrogen-ready North Sea in sight.
The NSH2V Ports Project, supported by the Interreg North Sea Programme, plays a central role in this process, bringing together ports in Den Helder (NL), Esbjerg (DK), Bremen/Bremerhaven (DE), and Brest (FR) to co-develop hydrogen master plans, identify common barriers, and create practical roadmaps for implementation.
We’d like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants for the open and inspiring discussion, and New Energy Coalition for hosting such a successful session.
The urgency to act is high, but so is the energy to collaborate. Together, we’re building the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more connected North Sea region!
Date: 09/10/2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Groningen, Forum
