The four-year strategy sharing that vision is before the Amsterdam City Council for approval. Green Port Amsterdam is and will remain an essential international logistics hub for vital raw materials and energy.

Permanent shore power
'This is necessary for a climate-neutral future in 2050 and there are also economic opportunities here,' says Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam. 'In 2040 the new contours can be seen very clearly in the port. The necessary infrastructure, such as additional substations and electricity networks for electrification, networks for hydrogen, steam, heat, CO₂ and industrial water are large-scale and widely available. Permanent shore power facilities can be found at the quays, fed by green power from the sea. There are also facilities and infrastructure for bunkering renewable fuels. Digitalization has made the planning of maritime and inland shipping even more efficient and therefore cleaner.'

Building non-fossil
The first sprint to Green Port Amsterdam attracts the port authority with the new four-year strategy (2025 - 2028). The title given to it is: 'On course to a future-proof port complex'. This revolves around the transformation of the port area, in which the build-up of non-fossil activities goes hand in hand with the reduction of fossil activities. The 2021-2024 time frame was all about transitioning the coal terminals, establishing and expanding new circular activities and keeping the port accessible. Port of Amsterdam will continue to do so over the next four years as well.

Accelerate transition
In its four-year strategy, the port authority reports that it is building a port where renewable energy sources, circular industries and low-emission logistics prevail. A port with a business climate ready for the European climate goals of 2030. In it, the organization establishes connections, invests in above- and underground infrastructure and makes room for sufficient safety contours. In this way it wants to accelerate the transition in the Amsterdam port area.

Renewable liquids +25 percent
Koen Overtoom: "If the transition can take shape anywhere, it is in the Port of Amsterdam. One of our objectives is to stimulate the build-up of Green Energy Port Amsterdam by increasing transport of renewable liquids by 25 percent compared to 2024. Therefore, by 2028, about three-quarters of the port company's total turnover will come from non-fossil activities. We are also strengthening our position as a reliable and predictable port with a high level of safety and investing in port infrastructure."

City Council
Port of Amsterdam reports that the vision and strategy have been shaped in collaboration with clients and stakeholders. If the City of Amsterdam's College of Mayor and Aldermen agrees with both Vision 2040 and Strategy 2025-2028, the final word will be up to the City Council.

Photo credit: Port of Amsterdam / Flying Focus.