NSH2V Ports shows how maritime hydrogen valleys are taking shape

Theme

Using NSH2V Ports as a living example, they followed three interwoven themes:

• Making physical and regulatory space for new energy molecules;
• Embedding safety and infrastructure into daily port operations; and
• Organising collaboration so that solutions scale across ports, not just within them.

These themes were explored together with sector experts Katja Naber van der Aa (Port of Den Helder), Patrick Walison (Haskoning), and Noé van Hulst (IPHE). Their combined expertise in port development and management, energy transition in ports and safety by design, and international hydrogen policy provided a grounded yet forward-looking perspective for testing assumptions, aligning spatial and safety planning, and linking local port initiatives to the evolving European and global policy landscape.

They were joined by the moderator, Prof. em. Catrinus J. Jepma from the University of Groningen and New Energy Coalition, whose sharp questions and clear synthesis helped to drive the conversation in a practical direction. This article distills the main themes and key takeaways from the session, highlighting how maritime hydrogen valleys can move from concept to implementation across European ports.

Why ports must make space for hydrogen

The panel reached a clear consensus: time is no longer neutral. As Van Hulst emphasised, “Do ports really have the option not to make room for hydrogen? If we don’t prepare for importing and handling fuels like ammonia and green methanol, the business will simply go elsewhere.” His message was blunt but true, the energy transition rewards readiness.

Ports that allocate space, streamline permitting, and define clear operational frameworks will become magnets for the next generation of maritime investment. Those that delay risk being bypassed as supply chains reorganise around new fuels.

On the quay, this urgency is tangible. Walison described the balancing act: “Ports are wrestling with spatial planning. With hydrogen, it’s less about building from scratch and more about redeveloping what’s already there, and doing it safely.” He warned that industry is moving faster than regulation, and that “if we don’t plan space, safety, and procedures in parallel, we’ll lose the momentum to others who do.”

New molecules, new approach

Hydrogen and its derivatives are not “just another fuel.” They change the rhythm of port life; from design standards to training, from detection systems to emergency response. Therefore, ports must take a different approach in facilitating the hydrogen transition.

Naber van der Aa shared Den Helder’s approach: “We’re decarbonising step by step. Shore power for larger vessels is already in place, and early offtake and production is emerging, think of the Teal Mobility hydrogen station and Statkraft’s electrolyser”

The discussion made one thing clear: infrastructure must be treated as an ecosystem, not a collection of stand-alone projects. Walison noted that “ports can take on a crucial role as new energy production, trade, end-user and bunker hub. This requires strong engagement with industry players and a clear view on the future integrated energy systems” yet connecting grid capacity, storage, bunkering, and port operations can unlock faster permitting, lower costs, and stronger demand signals.

Port collaboration as a scaling strategy

Ports do not operate in isolation, nor should they learn in isolation. Walison put it plainly: “Ports talk to each other. When one of us finds a workable solution, whether it’s a safety protocol, a layout, or a training module, we share it.” Van Hulst broadened the lens: “Port areas are where the new hydrogen sector will first take root and ultimately flourish. There is a huge opportunity for ports to work together, including globally. Some ports are already far ahead; let’s make their progress contagious.” This is the heartbeat of maritime hydrogen valleys: joint planning, shared safety concepts, and reusable design templates that can travel from one harbor to another.

Naber van der Aa tied collaboration back to immediate next steps: “We are making steady progress, but to keep momentum we need to lock in the next steps together, especially on bunkering rules. By working closely together we found a practical solution despite the lack of clear rules. We’re sharing it across Dutch ports. International scaling will follow once EU frameworks are in place; until then, varying local regulations limit adoption.”

Demand, policy and the confidence to invest

A recurring blocker is circular logic on demand. Walison captured the stand-off: “Shipowners are hesitant to sign offtake agreements as long as the future fuel choice remains uncertain. They won’t lock in volumes if they can’t be confident about the long-term fuel pathway.” Noé argued for sharper policy signals to break that loop: “Creating demand is absolutely critical. When you follow the value chain all the way to the consumer, the additional cost can be smaller than people think if we design the right incentives. We need smarter and stronger policies that help end users choose greener products. This isn’t just about the energy transition; it’s also about economic resilience.”

He pointed to public buyers as early movers: “Public procurement shouldn’t be neutral to carbon. Setting a clear requirement, say 10–20% sustainable content in relevant tenders, would send a powerful signal, launch early markets, and normalise green fuels much faster.”

Audience contribution

The real value of the session came from the active participation of a unique, diverse group: port leaders, ship owners, fuel suppliers, classification societies, technology suppliers, financiers, regulators, planners and researchers.
Despite the breadth of topics, a number of themes recurred: licensing and safety coordination, ship-shore (and air-ground) interface readiness, cross-border standards, and investable business models.

Participants enriched the discussion with practical case studies on vessel retrofits, bunkering trials, operational training, and policy alignment, ensuring that the conversation remained firmly grounded in real-world applications rather than abstract theory.

Closing note

If the NSH2V Ports session had one message, it is this: don’t wait for perfect certainty. And as Van Hulst warned, choosing not to make space is still a choice but one with consequences. Our task now is to keep translating policy into practice, one berth, one bunker, and one shared template at a time, so hydrogen in ports becomes business as usual.