F: Ports at the helm of Europe’s hydrogen future

As hydrogen becomes a key pillar in Europe’s energy strategy, ports are stepping into a new and complex role as active players in the energy transition. This session explores how ports are preparing for that strategic responsibility, and how cross-border collaboration can accelerate real-world progress.

Drawing on the experience of the NSH2V Ports project, we’ll dive into the realities of developing maritime hydrogen valleys: from the readiness of port infrastructure and governance, to the shared safety strategies needed to handle hydrogen and other new molecules. We’ll take a closer look at how ports are tackling common challenges like storage, bunkering protocols, and vessel interface solutions — and how local authorities, industry, and port operators are working together to turn policy ambitions into scalable systems.

Rather than isolated pilots, this session highlights how international port cooperation can become a driver of scale, standardization, and speed. With lessons from Den Helder, Esbjerg and beyond, we invite you to join a conversation about what it truly takes to build Europe’s hydrogen ports of the future.