The Ports of Amsterdam and Duisburg (duisport) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their cooperation and jointly develop a hydrogen value chain and hinterland network.

Under the agreement, the ports will explore the potential of several hydrogen carrier technologies, with the aim of establishing an international supply chain for hydrogen on a commercial scale.

“I am very pleased to announce the partnership between duisport and Port of Amsterdam,” said Koen Overtoom, CEO of Port of Amsterdam.

“Both ports recognise the great value of joining forces in developing new corridors for sustainable energy carriers, with the aim of decarbonisation of international supply chains.

“This partnership strengthens our strategic initiatives, aimed at taking the lead in facilitating the energy transition, and complements our strong collaborations with our trusted partners.”

The Port of Amsterdam is already part of the H2A consortium, which aims for the import of one million tonnes of green hydrogen to the port and includes multiple significant players in the hydrogen industry. The project will now be integrated with this new partnership, allowing for the establishment of an end-to-end value chain for green hydrogen carriers between both ports.

“By expanding our trusting partnership with the Port of Amsterdam, we are sending an important signal across national borders: only together will we be able to overcome global challenges such as the energy transition,” said Markus Bangen, CEO of duisport.

In addition, duisport and Port of Amsterdam said they will set up joint commercial projects to further develop their hinterland networks, whilst promoting sustainable multimodal transport connections between the two ports and other European destinations.

Last month, duisport signed a partnership with the Port of Rotterdam to expand initiatives in the area of digitisation and energy transition.

With regards to the energy transition, both ports plan to investigate the development of hydrogen hubs to transform Rotterdam into the future ‘hydrogen gateway’ to Europe and duisport as the hub for Germany.