Port of Amsterdam and Port of Den Helder have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further explore the added value of intensified cooperation. The energy transition and offshore wind activities in both ports can benefit from this, thereby contributing to achieving national climate targets.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday, 23 October. Both North Holland ports have a good starting position for offshore wind and renewable energy generation in the North Sea.

By working together more intensively in the areas of commerce, operations, engineering and project development, they aim to further drive the energy transition. Due to the location of both ports, they can act as a hub for the landing, storage, transit and distribution of renewable energy and focus in particular on the development of a hydrogen hub (H2 hub). 

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Increasing added value

Both ports have their own characteristics and are deeply rooted in local ecosystems. Yet the urgency and desire of both port companies is to act as catalysts to accelerate the energy transition.

Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam: ‘The role of port companies as facilitators for the energy transition means we have to look beyond our local interest and explore new partnerships. We want to accelerate the transition. Intensified cooperation between our ports could be a means of increasing our added value.’

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Port of den Helder became a member of the Offshore Energy Association AYOP last summer.

‘Through this membership we underline the great importance of offshore wind activities for our port and our customers,’ adds Kees Turnhout, Managing Director of Port of Den Helder. ‘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 through cooperation. This may involve setting up joint projects, combining the strengths of both areas, while maintaining the individuality and local anchoring of both ports.’

Picture by Port of Amsterdam.