Restoring port nature

The area surrounding our port is home to exceptional natural landscapes – from Flemish and Dutch Natura 2000 sites to the Dutch Nature Network. We actively safeguard this natural heritage, guided by our port’s nature vision. Our aim? To preserve and enhance the quality of our natural environment.

One way we do this is by developing robust green-blue infrastructure. Think of buffer zones that protect residential areas, connecting areas between nature areas, and targeted nature compensation measures. In this way, we are building a port where nature truly thrives alongside it.

Our approach

Our nature vision helps us create green zones on brownfields, develop nature-inclusive buildings and tackle invasive species. With a dedicated approach for each type of habitat – from salt marshes to dry grasslands. And smart protection through umbrella species: when they thrive other species will benefit too.

Approach in our port area

For our Dutch port area we’re taking various actions: a species and ecological management plan, a specific exemption, invasive species control and long-term monitoring.

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

Valuable nature areas

We’re creating new nature and connection areas, and buffer zones. Nature restoration is our top priority – with space for small-scale farming, walking routes and cycle paths.

Tackling litter together

Litter? We’re taking it seriously. Following a successful pilot project with social enterprises, we’re now rolling out this partnership across our entire Flemish port area.

Picture of a kitesurfer's kite in the Vlissingen port area of Nort Sea Port.
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Improving quality of life

As an economic and employment powerhouse North Sea Port sails at full throttle. But we’re also aware that our growth has an impact on space, safety and quality of life. That’s why we’re now explicitly embedding these themes in our shareholder mandate.  

We’re making our port more accessible and safer, also via cycling routes. Our course for 2030 is clear: build an additional 30 km of cycle paths. At the same time, we will increase the number of jobs in and around the port from 106,000 to 110,000. Together, we’re building a port where it’s great to work and live.

Our approach

We actively involve our surrounding communities: through residents' meetings, information events and structural collaborations such as North Sea Port District and the Ghent Canal Zone Project. We take a preventive approach through monitoring, an oil spill response plan and shore power — significantly cutting emissions, nuisance and pollution.

Picture of a green zone in North Sea Port’s Terneuzen sub-area.

Buffering and connecting

The border between our port and its surrounding areas is a true green belt. We’re developing connecting areas and buffer zones that create a very smooth transition.

Discover more

Questions and reports – Belgium

Environmental nuisance in the Ghent Canal Zone? Report it via the complaints website. Suspicious activity in and around our port? Report it via PortWatch.

Go to reports

Questions and reports – the Netherlands

Environmental nuisance in Brabant or Zeeland? Report it via the dedicated website. Complaints about Seveso establishments? Go to the DMCR. Report crime anonymously? Your go-to place: Veilige Zeehavens.

Go to reports
Picture of a lady and some wind turbines in North Sea Port’s Vlissingen sub-area.
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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 in our port area

Together with our partners, we’re building a future-proof port. Find out how we are accelerating the energy transition, promoting circularity and making smart use of space.

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.