Space for targeted growth

The energy transition, the circular economy and the growing demand for waterfront sites are taking up space. This is putting pressure on our port area and calls for tough decisions. Our course? Smart infill development, redevelopment and the creation of new clusters.

First, we need to optimise what we already have. We make the most of the available space – and make sure that every square metre counts. When we’re looking further ahead? Then we’re literally pushing our boundaries and preparing for targeted growth beyond our current port area.

Accelerating the energy transition

The energy transition comes with great challenges: additional space, substantial investment and solutions for an overloaded electricity grid. These are significant, but as port managers, we’re fully committed to taking the helm. With our ambition as compass: a net zero port by 2050. 

Our goal? To become Europe’s leading hub for electricity, sustainable molecules and circular materials. That’s why we’re making targeted investments in infrastructure. So that businesses can prepare to electrify their operations and become more sustainable. 

Our approach

We’re going all out for the energy transition – with a clear policy on wind and solar power, alternative fuels and battery storage. At the same time, we’re preparing our port for green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, waste heat and electrification. Together, we’re building a true energy hub.

Upgraded power grid

We’re giving the power grid a major upgrade with new 380 kV connections in Zeelandic Flanders and Ghent. Businesses will be able to switch to green electricity and hydrogen with ease.

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Picture of the Vopak terminal and storage tanks in the Vlissingen port area of North Sea Port.

Cross-border hydrogen

Today, 580 kilotonnes of hydrogen are already flowing through our port. The next step? Making our infrastructure future-proof with a cross-border pipeline network.

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Carbon capture and storage

Ports are the ideal location for carbon capture and storage (CCS). We’re involved at the highest level – and are helping to build the infrastructure for CO₂ storage and transport.

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Picture of a transport of stored CO₂ by Yara Sluiskil in the Terneuzen sub-area of North Sea Port.

Mufasa, the battery king

In 2025, we launched one of Europe’s largest battery farms in Vlissingen: Mufasa. It balances out peaks and troughs, reduces grid congestion and ensures a reliable power supply.

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Resource transition

Circularity is becoming increasingly important in our port. By supporting the transition to sustainable raw materials, we minimise waste, strengthen sustainability and enhance the strategic autonomy of European industry.

Our course is clear: by 2030, we aim to establish at least ten new circular and innovative initiatives within the key value chains of our port area. At the same time, we will increase the share of sustainable goods flows in maritime cargo handling.

Our approach

We’re actively building a circular port. From circular carbon to building materials and bio-based production: we attract targeted initiatives, foster synergies and embed circularity into every infrastructure project. Guided by our Waste Management Plan and a clear reduction roadmap.

North-C Circular

Together with ArcelorMittal Belgium and the Flemish Government, we’re redeveloping 150 ha of industrial land into a hub for circular economy related activities.

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Deep-C Circular

40 hectares of remediated land and a deep-sea quay. Here, we are paving the way for the import of hydrogen (carriers) and circular materials.

Circular C

From carbonaceous waste streams to industrial feedstock. Within the Smart Delta Resources network, we’re exploring how chemical recycling can facilitate this circular transition.

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Picture of the Van Cittershaven in North Sea Port Vlissingen.

North-C-Blade

This research project focuses on the chemical recycling of composite materials used in wind turbine blades. Circular innovation at its best.

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Circular economy chair

From port to circular pioneer. We fund and actively support the Chair in Circular Port Monitoring in Flanders at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

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Water and climate

Climate change has a significant impact on our port. It has a major effect on nautical accessibility and the quality of process and cooling water. A considerable challenge, also for the businesses that rely on it.

So we’re taking action. Through smart water management, green-blue infrastructure and targeted policies we’re building our port’s climate resilience. We’re securing a supply of (fresh) water and safeguarding the entire supply chain against extreme weather events.

Our approach

We’re working on a clear water policy fit for our port. With space for buffer and connecting zones, and nature areas. Together with our partners, we’re investing heavily in biodiversity and quality of life – not only within our port, but also in its surrounding area.

Improved water management

We support projects that improve water management, infrastructure and flood prevention. Examples include AquaConnect, STURDI and Delta Wealth.

Climate adaptation plan

Following the 2024 climate stress test and a region-wide risk analysis in 2026, our adaptation plan will be ready in 2027 – comprising spatial, infrastructural and operational measures.

Picture of geese in North Sea Port’s Vlissingen sub-area.

Water and salt balance study

In 2023, we carried out a water and salt balance study for the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal in collaboration with the Flemish-Dutch Scheldt Commission and KU Leuven.

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Security and resilience

Security in our port has many facets. From physical security in day-to-day operations to cyber security, military protection and a zero-tolerance approach to subversion and crime. We’re prepared to counter any threat.
But we’re not in this alone. We stand side by side with all services in our port area. Together, we’re fully focused on prevention, surveillance and enforcement – making our port a safe haven. 

Our approach

We’ve adopted a 360° approach to security that ticks all the boxes: strengthening physical security, protecting critical infrastructure against cyber threats and tackling subversion. With clear guidelines, training and technology, we’re staying on course in a complex environment.

Integrated security

Together, stronger! All Belgian ports are collaborating on the Port 2 Port Security Platform. In the Netherlands, FERM is developing into a national cybersecurity platform for all seaports.

Group picture with sign and fencing in Vlissingen.

North Sea Port drug plan

Organised crime? Not in our Ghent port area. As steering group chair and with a clear plan, we bring together the drugs commissioner, governor, mayors, the public prosecutor’s office and the police.

Safety barometer

By the end of 2028, we will launch a safety barometer. This will enable us to monitor our port 24/7, identify risks in no time and take immediate action.

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Jump ship to

Sustainable impact within our organisation

Sustainability starts with us. A safe workplace, inclusion and ethical business practices are what we’re all about. And we embed these values in every decision we make.

Sustainable impact on our surroundings

Our port is located alongside unique nature and residential areas. Discover how we combine economic growth with nature restoration, quality of life and climate resilience.

Sustainable impact in Europe and the world

As an international logistics hub, we’re committed to cleaner shipping, green energy chains and climate-neutral logistics. Our impact doesn’t stop where our port ends.

Sustainable logistics

We’re shaping the port of the future: sustainable, smart and resilient. We opt for greener mobility, innovation and collaboration to ensure efficient logistics.