European Seaports in the Energy Transition: Flows, Infrastructure, and Strategy

As ports are critical nodes in global energy flows, understanding their evolving functions in supporting renewable energy carriers is essential. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of European ports in the energy transition, focusing specifically on the import, storage, and infrastructure challenges related to green hydrogen and ammonia.

The authors address the pressing need for strategic guidance on how ports can adapt to and facilitate the shift from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy sources. They offer a scenario-based approach to infrastructure allocation, investment requirements, and strategic positioning of key European ports under future decarbonization pathways. By providing detailed analyses, cost and surface area calculations, and scenario projections, this book equips readers with the tools to optimize port planning for the integration of green hydrogen and ammonia, thus enabling a more sustainable and resilient energy supply chain in Europe.

This volume will be of particular relevance to researchers and graduate students in the fields of port economics, energy logistics, and sustainable transport systems. The actionable insights presented will also appeal to policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Noemi Van Meir started working on research concerning inland navigation as a student in September 2020. She obtained her Master of Maritime and Logistics Management from the University of Antwerp in 2021, and started working as a researcher for the Department of Transport and Regional Economics (TPR) of the University of Antwerp in April 2021. Noemi obtained her PhD in applied economics in 2025.

Edwin van Hassel is Full Professor at the Department of Transport and Regional Economics, where he teaches various courses. He holds an engineering degree in naval architecture and has a PhD in applied economics. His main research interests and expertise lie in inland navigation, hinterland transport, ship design, and transport modeling. He is involved in various research projects, ranging from business projects to international initiatives, focusing on logistics, infrastructure cost-benefit analysis, and transport modeling.

Thierry Vanelslander is Professor at the Department of Transport and Regional Economics of the University of Antwerp. He is currently course coordinator for the courses "Port Economics and Business" at C-MAT and "Transport micro-economics" and "Maritime and Port Economics" at the Faculty of Business and Economics. His research focuses on business economics in the port and maritime sector and in hinterland transport and urban logistics. He, furthermore, is Chair of the SIGA2 Maritime and Ports and topic area manager for Transport Modes within WCTR, and Chair of Freight & Logistics at ETC.