North Sea Conference 2025

On 18 June 2025, the NSH2V Ports project was proudly presented during the official dinner of the North Sea Conference 2025 in Oldenburg. This year’s conference brought together stakeholders from across the North Sea Region to explore solutions for energy, climate, and innovation challenges — and NSH2V was honoured to represent the hydrogen-maritime transition on this international stage.

Our evening presentation highlighted how four leading ports — Port of Den Helder (NL), Port Esbjerg (DK), Ports of Bremen and Bremerhaven (DE), and Brest Port (FR) — are working together through NSH2V to develop hydrogen-ready port infrastructure. With support from the Interreg North Sea Programme, NSH2V aims to accelerate the development of safe and scalable hydrogen supply chains through cross-border collaboration.

During the day, the NSH2V team took part in insightful presentations from fellow Interreg projects, each showcasing how regions across the North Sea are tackling the energy trilemma: achieving a secure, affordable, and green energy future.

In the afternoon, we joined a field visit focused on algae-based desalination technologies, hosted by the BioDeSeal and BDSALgreen H2 projects. These initiatives are exploring how algae can be used to desalinate seawater for drinking and hydrogen production — a promising innovation for both water security and clean energy.

We would like to thank the many organisations and partners who made this experience possible and impactful, including:

• Interreg North Sea Programme
• Alfred-Wegener-Institut (AWI) – Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
• Economic Development Wesermarsch GmbH
• Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband (OOWV)
• Metropolitan Region Northwest Germany (supported by Bremen and Lower Saxony)
• Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO)

We also extend our thanks to all participants who visited our stand, asked questions, and showed interest in joining our growing network. Events like these are vital for connecting local innovations to European strategies like REPowerEU, TEN-T, and the Clean Industrial Deal.

Together, we are building the future of hydrogen in the maritime sector — port by port, and region by region.

Representing the NSH2V team at the conference were: Marija Jović Mihanović, Joshua Dauda, Janna Köhler, and Danah Kolstee.