In an exclusive interview with Global Mass Transit, Jan Egbertsen, Manager Strategy at Port of Amsterdam, discussed the role of a port authority. The Port of Amsterdam is progressing toward becoming a zero-emission, carbon-neutral port by 2050, with near-term priorities including a zero-emission inner-city zone by 2025 and fully electrified, emission-free municipal and public transport, including ferries, by 2030. Key strategies include large-scale deployment of shore power, the development of green shipping corridors, and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
Egbertsen also highlighted the strategic role of port authorities in accelerating sustainable shipping, outlining how the Port of Amsterdam is supporting the transition through infrastructure development, policy alignment, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. He emphasised key areas including alternative fuels, shore power, and circular port operations, all aligned with broader decarbonisation goals. The interview explores regulatory drivers, investment challenges, stakeholder coordination, and the evolving role of ports as enablers of low-emission maritime transport. Excerpts…
- How does the Port of Amsterdam define its role in the sustainable shipping transition, is it primarily as a regulator, an enabler, or an active investor in green infrastructure?
We focus on sustainable fuels, on shore power supply and digital solutions to get to sustainable shipping solutions. As port authority we do not operate sea- or inland ships, so we work closely together with market stakeholders like ship owners, terminals and bunker operators. We have the role of regulator (see the Harbour Regulations) but also as an enabler can co developer in pilot projects.
- What concrete steps has the Port of Amsterdam taken to support zero emission ferry and vessel operations, and what has been the response from operators calling at the port?
We have developed OPS for inlandships, rivercruises and seacruise terminals. We also have the possibilities for testing of alternative fuels in the port. Operators calling at the port are interested to work with us in further sustainable development, for instance developing green corridors.
- Ports are a critical link in the green value chain. How is Amsterdam working to ensure that the right alternative fuel infrastructure, from shore power to hydrogen bunkering, is in place to meet growing demand?
By own investments for instance for the seacruise terminal. For other terminals we are co-designing possibilities for OPS and have some financial instruments. For alternative fuels we work together with bunker operators and ship owners to test these new fuels, f.i. methanol and liquid and gasified H2
- How do you navigate the balance between commercial port operations and the investment required to accelerate the sustainability transition, and what financing models have worked well?
We use national and EU grants. We are working on a financial instrument for the terminals in the port area f.i. for OPS.
- What would you say to other European port authorities about the role they need to play in driving the zero emission shipping agenda forward, and where should collaboration between ports be prioritised?
I think that the seaports do not compete on these strategic sustainable goals but work closely together.
