Rotterdam, Netherlands | November 3, 2025 – The ports of Duisburg and Rotterdam are stepping up their collaboration to accelerate sustainable transport and decarbonisation across Europe. A new letter of intent (LoI) was signed in the presence of Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, signaling a commitment to jointly develop low-carbon transport corridors and future-focused energy initiatives.
Cross-Border Collaboration to Boost the Rhine Corridor
The partnership reinforces the Rhine corridor as a critical cross-border logistics axis. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst highlighted the strategic importance of the two hubs:
“Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport, and Duisburg, the world’s largest inland port, together make a decisive contribution to the industrial future of North Rhine-Westphalia. Both ports will become central hubs for hydrogen and CO₂, supporting climate-neutral industry and strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of our supply chains.”
CO₂ Export and Hard-to-Abate Industry
A key focus of the new cooperation is CO₂ export, enabling carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) for hard-to-abate industries. By combining high-performance transport chains with port infrastructure, Duisburg and Rotterdam are creating the conditions for cross-border CCUS activities, a critical step for decarbonising heavy industry.
The LoI also reinforces sustainable logistics along the Rhine corridor, Europe’s main waterway, which plays a pivotal role in energy security and efficient access to international markets.
Pooling Expertise for a Sustainable Future
“We face great challenges which we can overcome faster and more efficiently together,” said Markus Bangen, CEO of duisport. “Bundling our expertise with Rotterdam allows us to deliver collective solutions in sustainable logistics and the energy transition. Logistics is a team sport – and Rotterdam is our ideal partner.”
Renewable Energy and Inland Shipping
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized the ports’ role in Europe’s energy transition “Rotterdam imports 13% of Europe’s energy demand, mainly fossil fuels. Our long-term aim is to become Europe’s hub for renewable energy imports. Inland shipping, and our cooperation with duisport, is key to efficiently distributing these energy sources.”
Building on Past Successes
The 2025 LoI builds on previous agreements, including the 2022 letter on rail, inland development, digitalisation, and energy transition. Past successes include partnerships with Brazil’s Port of Pecém for green energy transport, joint digitalisation initiatives via RheinPorts and Portbase, and the pilot of low-carbon ammonia transport.
The reinforced collaboration underscores the ports’ commitment to Europe’s energy transition, sustainable logistics, and cross-border industrial decarbonisation.
About the Port of Duisburg (duisport)
The Port of Duisburg (duisport) is the world’s largest inland port and a critical logistics hub for Central Europe. Strategically located at the junction of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers, duisport operates the most significant trimodal interface for rail, road, and waterway transport. As a leading service provider, duisport connects Europe’s major seaports and provides a direct gateway to the New Silk Road (China), making it an indispensable pillar of international trade and supply chain stability.
About the Port of Rotterdam Authority
The Port of Rotterdam is a pivotal economic engine for the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region, the Netherlands, and Europe. With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and efficient hinterland connections, the port serves as a critical hub for international trade and industry. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is committed to the sustainable development, management, and operation of the port, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible handling of shipping. Its goal is to strengthen the port’s position as a future-proof logistics hub, focusing on quality, innovation, and the transition towards a climate-neutral port that aligns with its surrounding environment.
Source The Port of Rotterdam