The Dutch ports of Amsterdam and Den Helder signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on last week to further investigate the added value of more intensive cooperation to support the energy transition and offshore wind.
The two Noord-Holland ports say they have a good starting position for offshore wind and the generation of renewable energy in the North Sea. By working together more intensively, in the areas of commerce, operations, technology and project development, they aim to further stimulate the energy transition. Due to the location of both ports, they can function as a hub for the landing, storage, transit and distribution of sustainable energy and they focus in particular on the development of a hydrogen hub (H2 hub).
Look beyond local interests
Both ports have their own characteristics and are deeply rooted in local ecosystems. Nevertheless, the urgency and desire of both port authorities is to act as catalysts to accelerate the energy transition. Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam: ‘The role of port authorities as facilitators for the energy transition means that we have to look beyond our local interests and explore new partnerships. We want to accelerate the transition. More intensive cooperation between our ports could be a means to increase our added value.’
Port of Den Helder became a member of the Offshore Energy Association AYOP last summer. Kees Turnhout, General Manager of Port of Den Helder: ‘With this membership we underline the great importance of offshore wind activities for our port and our customers. The energy transition is an important pillar in the port development of the North Sea Canal area and the Maritime Cluster Den Helder. Both ports want to accelerate the energy transition by realizing cooperation. This can involve setting up joint projects, in which the strengths of both areas are bundled, while retaining the uniqueness and local anchoring of both ports’.
New quay in Den Helder ready for future offshore wind
On 23 October, a quay, ‘Het Nieuwe Werk’, was officially opened in the municipality of Den Helder. The sustainably renovated 280 metres quay has been made ready to receive larger offshore vessels in the future, for example for maintenance of wind turbines at sea. It is one of the investments made to facilitate the energy transition. Source: Port of Amsterdam
