The Netherlands – The Port of Rotterdam Authority has deepened its partnership with DeltaPort Niederrheinhäfen, allowing this set of inland ports in the northern Ruhr region to serve as a regional hub for green hydrogen imports from Rotterdam.
The declaration of intent was signed by both sides. Other signatories were Thyssengas, Eon Energy, Nordfrost, and Kreis Wesel, all of which are German corporations.
Green hydrogen has the potential to play an important part in the energy transition, which is required to satisfy the Paris Climate Agreement’s goals. If Germany is serious about fulfilling the predicted increased demand for green hydrogen, it will have to import hydrogen, just like the Netherlands.
Emile Hoogsteden, Commercial Director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, explains that “there are two essential projects that make this partnership interesting to the Port Authority. In the first place, we see splendid opportunities for becoming a hub in the supply and transit of green hydrogen. After all, there are many competent parties in the region that are highly interested in this clean energy carrier. If locally produced hydrogen is insufficient to meet demand, hydrogen can be imported via Rotterdam. Inland shipping and rail have a central role in this context. Secondly, we want to help developing a Cool Corridor, a regular inland shipping connection for reefer containers between Rotterdam and the Ruhr area. With Nordfrost’s investment in a new centre for refrigeration logistics that can run on clean energy, we can help develop emission-free inland shipping connections with the deep-sea terminals in Rotterdam. You can compare it with the Alphenaar which acts like a shuttle between Alphen aan den Rijn and Moerdijk for beer brewery Heineken.”
