North Sea Port sets course for 2030 with new cross-border strategy

North Sea Port, the cross-border Dutch–Flemish harbour stretching from Vlissingen on the North Sea to Terneuzen and Ghent, has unveiled its new strategic vision, ‘Impact 2030’ outlines the redevelopment of 350 hectares of existing port land and a series of projects aimed at securing the port’s role as a leading, sustainable logistics hub in Europe.

Formed in 2018 through the merger of the ports of Ghent, Terneuzen and Vlissingen, North Sea Port spans some 60 kilometres and covers roughly 9,100 hectares. It employs 250 staff and is jointly owned by public authorities in both countries. This includes the city of Ghent, the province of East Flanders and the municipalities of Evergem and Zelzate on the Belgian side, and the province of Zeeland with the municipalities of Borsele, Terneuzen and Vlissingen in the Netherlands.

Future-proof European top port

With Impact 2030, North Sea Port takes the next step towards becoming a sustainable, future-proof European top port, said CEO Cas König in a statement. “Together with our partners, we are building a port that excels not only in infrastructure, spatial planning and strong logistics chains, but also in safety, resilience and its relationship with the surrounding region.”

Key objectives for 2030 include redeveloping 350 hectares of industrial land within the current port boundaries, the equivalent to around 500 football pitches. Projects already under way include a 150-hectare industrial site in cooperation with ArcelorMittal Belgium.

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The plan also calls for strengthening the port’s position as “a vital node in Europe’s transport network” through the construction of a cross-border hydrogen pipeline system and rail upgrades between Ghent and Terneuzen, aimed at increasing rail freight’s share from 9 to 15 percent.

Further initiatives include deepening sections of the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal to optimise the use of the new sea locks, halving vessel waiting times through a digital coordination platform, and improving port security with additional fencing and a “digital shield”. The roadmap also reaffirms North Sea Port’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

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The full strategy will be presented on 17 November during the North Sea Port Conference in Vlissingen.

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