New ISL EU project strengthens ports for a more sustainable energy future

Hydrogen will play a central role in decarbonising the port industry as well as the maritime sector, with ports acting as central hubs for the promotion of H2 production and the import/export of renewable energy sources. The EU project "North Sea Hydrogen Valley Ports", funded by the INTERREG North Sea programme, will help to establish ports as central hubs for the production and transport of green hydrogen (H2) and Power-to-X (PtX) fuels such as methanol and ammonia.

The official launch of the project took place on 12 and 13 February 2024 in Den Helder, Netherlands, where all partners involved came together to coordinate strategies and make concrete plans for the implementation of the project. This includes the planning of future hydrogen infrastructure in four North Sea ports: Brest, Esbjerg, Bremerhaven and Den Helder. ISL plays an essential role within this consortium, focusing on the management of hydrogen-based energy carriers and the integration of hydrogen-based technologies within the ports. This includes initiatives such as port operations, the design of innovative vessels with alternative propulsion systems, and the establishment of corresponding bunker infrastructure.

Another key aspect of the project is the development of a generalised "Port Hydrogen Valley Master Plan", which will serve as a blueprint for other European ports. This plan aims to establish an efficient hydrogen economy and corresponding import and export structures to enable significant progress in the European energy transition. In addition, the establishment of a network of ports and stakeholder groups for the exchange of experience and expertise is a key objective.