The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam have jointly urged the European Commission to prioritize substantial investments in European industry competitiveness. Their call comes ahead of the anticipated release of the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, with a warning that Europe’s strategic autonomy, energy transition, and economic prosperity are at risk.
As Europe’s largest ports, Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam see themselves as pivotal players in realizing the goals of the Clean Industrial Deal. They advocate for a cross-border, holistic strategy focused on strengthening international supply chains and industrial clusters, rather than isolating efforts to specific sectors or regions. Demonstrating their commitment, both ports aim to intensify collaboration to lead this integrated approach.
Research Underscores Strategic Importance
To bolster their position, the ports commissioned a study from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Erasmus University Rotterdam’s Centre for Urban, Port, and Transport Economics. The research emphasizes the role of the ports as an interconnected logistics and industrial complex that integrates with the broader ARRRA (Antwerp-Rotterdam-Rhine-Ruhr Area) cluster. This cluster plays a vital role in Europe’s industrial ecosystem, accounting for an impressive 40% of European petrochemical production. The study highlighted how the synergy created by the scale, overlapping networks, and complementary activities of the ARRRA cluster strengthens European industry.
Collaboration for a Stronger Europe
The ports stressed that enhanced collaboration could unlock further advantages for Europe. However, achieving this requires a supportive framework with targeted investments in connectivity, reduced regulatory hurdles, and greater backing for sustainability initiatives. This appeal was presented during a joint event in Brussels attended by Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth.
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, articulated the urgency, stating:
“Europe faces the challenge of ensuring that the transition to a sustainable economy also safeguards the prosperity and strategic independence of our continent. Significant investments have been made in our port complexes, and major projects are now being rolled out. At the same time, we see that the competitiveness of European industry is declining. It is therefore important that ports, national and European governments join forces for a European investment climate in which companies can continue to build for the future.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, added:
“A systemic port cluster approach contributes to achieving Europe’s goals. The ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam are unique sites where multimodal logistics, energy, and industry come together. The transition to a sustainable economy demands cross-border cooperation and a sense of realism. As ports, we want to jointly contribute to anchoring European industry for the future.”
European Commissioner Hoekstra also emphasized the necessity of aligning industrial growth with emissions reductions:
“We’ve reached a juncture where industrial growth with emission reductions is not just a choice. It’s a necessity. For far too long, there’s been a prevailing narrative that business and climate don’t mix. However, with this new Commission, we are writing a different story. As we push ahead towards a cleaner, greener future, we must take all European businesses along with us, from innovative clean tech companies to traditional heavy industries. This is what our new Clean Industrial Deal is about.”
The ports’ coordinated approach, backed by research and clear advocacy, positions them as crucial allies in Europe’s journey toward sustainable industrial leadership.
