This makes the initiative even more international and maritime. After the shipping centres of Duisburg and Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges is the third port to join the association. The aim of the cross-sector association of industry, the energy sector and local authorities is to develop the Rhine-Ruhr region into a "hub of the European hydrogen economy". Siemens Energy, Steag/Iqony and RWE are among those involved from the energy industry.
Antwerp-Bruges obviously fits in well with this concept. It is not only one of the largest seaports in Europe. It is also home to one of Europe's largest chemical parks, where around 1,400 companies in the sector are based, providing 164,000 jobs. Accordingly, there are various initiatives for industrial decarbonisation and the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy at the port, independent of joining 'Hy.Region.Rhein.Ruhr".
Decarbonisation of Europe's largest chemical park
The port is also set to become a major ammonia transshipment centre via the Vopak Energy Park. A market consultation is currently underway there to determine the needs of potential customers. However, the investment decision for the terminal has yet to be taken, but if it is, the terminal is expected to be operational in 2029. The Vopak Energy Park, a 105-hectare former refinery site, is set to become an important part of the chemical park's decarbonisation strategy. The operators announced at the start of the project in February 2023 that neighbouring pipelines would be used to transport hydrogen and CO2, among other things.
