Q: With such a wide array of environmental impacts surrounding port and terminal operations – from waste generation to water generation and air emissions to contamination – is there a particular aspect that needs to be prioritised above all others in your opinion?

A: The Paris agreement on climate change gave a powerful boost to the energy transition. As a society in general and as a port and industrial complex in particular, we have the daunting task of reducing CO2 emissions to virtually zero by 2050. In 2030, Rotterdam will be the most sustainable and efficient port and industrial area in Europe. And by 2050, the port aims to be completely carbon-neutral. We are making substantial investments throughout the entire port  and industrial complex in order to reach our targets. In addition we are working closely together on innovations that can improve energy efficiency, cleaner technologies like LNG, hydrogen and electrification, the sustainable supply of energy and much more. We don’t just do this in the port itself, but also within its wider network – by shifting more of our investments from road transport to rail and inland shipping, for example. In doing so, Rotterdam tries to actively contribute to increasing sustainability throughout the entire chain – both within the port and far beyond.

Q: We always hear about ambitious targets and the implementation of schemes and new efforts to combat the impact of climate change by the shipping industry – but are they going far enough and targeting the right facets of the industry?

A: Together with the business community in the port and the government, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is working on a future-proof port. Business results and sustainability go hand in hand. By working together, we can achieve flourishing businesses with a minimal impact on the climate and nature. Combatting climate change cannot be done on an individual basis. We believe each industry, each business, big or small has to take the appropriate measures to meet the ambitious targets. To be able to create the port of the future as well as a sustainable logistics chain, it is crucial to dare to think big and cooperate with governments and other stakeholders.

Q: How important is the role that technology can play for ports and terminals in their climate change mitigation?

A: Two major trends will be transforming the container logistics sector in the years ahead: digitalisation and the drive towards greater sustainability within the logistics chain. Digital transformation is leading to fundamental changes in society. We can take maximum advantage of these developments by combining digital infrastructure with physical facilities. Rotterdam promotes and accelerates innovations that can make the end-to-end chain via its port smarter, cleaner and more reliable.

Q: How difficult is it for ports and terminals to plan its future infrastructure to accommodate new green initiatives (For example infrastructure for alternative fuel storage) with so many different initiatives or technologies being backed by different players in the industry?  Is it time to call for an industry standard for the ongoing green transition?

A: The Port of Rotterdam supports initiatives that reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and promotes the sustainability of ships calling at our and other ports.  In addition, we fully support the IMO as the Organization is fully committed to working through its member States and with its partners to continue to develop, maintain and implement a set of global regulations to ensure shipping's sustainable use of the oceans.

Q: Moving away from a general discussion, what are you working on at the Port of Rotterdam now to improve its green credentials and achieve sustainable operations? 

A: Over the course of the last months a few milestones have been achieved in order to reach our ambitious targets.  Zero Emission Services (ZES) commenced in September with the Alphenaar, the first Dutch inland vessel to use interchangeable energy containers for propulsion. The energy containers – ‘ZESpacks’ – are standard 20ft containers filled with batteries, which are charged with green electricity. ZES’s ambition is to scale up in the short term and aims to realise 30 zero-emission shipping routes by 2030. The company was founded last year by ENGIE, ING, Wärtsilä and the Port of Rotterdam Authority with the support of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, thereby taking an important step in the transition to emission-free inland shipping.

As a second example, energy company Uniper and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have entered into an agreement for developing the production of green hydrogen at the Uniper location on Maasvlakte.  The industry has to go through massive change in making its business processes more sustainable. Hydrogen will play a central role in this process. We are working with partners towards the introduction of a large-scale hydrogen network across the port complex, making Rotterdam an international hub for hydrogen production and import and for the transit of hydrogen to other countries in North-western Europe. This explains why initiatives like this Uniper project are so important for the future of Rotterdam and the Netherlands.

Q: What are you looking forward to most with the return of TOC Connect and live events coming back?

A: After what has been an extremely tough year and a half for our industry, the Port of Rotterdam is very excited to be welcoming back logistics professionals from the entire supply chain to the city for TOC Connect, as well as virtually to those still not in a position to attend in-person. The industry has been crying out for this opportunity to re-connect again in a physical environment, and TOC Connect will give us all a unique opportunity to get back together to share insights, join discussions and network with the leaders of our sector that have played such a critical role in the globe’s fight against the pandemic. We can’t wait to see you again in October, whether in-person or online!

Emile Hoogsteden will be delivering the opening keynote address at TOC Connect in Rotterdam on Tuesday 26^th October.  To find out more and to register for the event itself, which takes place in-person in Rotterdam from 26-27 October, and online from 18 October – 5 November, visit the website here