The PIONEERS (PORTable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions) consortium features 46 partners led by the Port of Antwerp and will showcase solutions designed to cut GHG emissions in ports, including fuels, terminal operations and the storage and use of energy.

The consortium represents leading ports, terminal and transport operators, forwarders, knowledge institutes, technology developers, innovators and public entities.

The five-year PIONEER project will start at the end of 2021 and will receive a €25 million grant from the European Horizon 2020 programme.

The PIONEERS consortium will showcase 19 demonstrators in the field of clean energy production and supply, sustainable port design, modal shift and flows optimization, and digital transformation.

The scope of work includes renewable energy generation and the deployment of electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles. It also covers the implementation of circular economy approaches in infrastructure works; automation; and deployment of digital platforms to promote modal shift and ensure optimised vehicle, vessel and container movements

The Port of Antwerp will act as a ‘lighthouse port’, hosting the majority of demonstrators and showcasing a real-life Green Port. The ports of Barcelona, Constanta and Venlo will also play an active role in maximising the transferability of the solutions.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp, commented: ‘Port of Antwerp aims to be the first world port that reconciles economy, people and climate. In order to be climate-neutral by 2050, we need to act now. PIONEERS proves how ambitious Port of Antwerp is in pioneering together with a wide stakeholder network to achieve our goal.’

Annick De Ridder, Vice mayor, noted: ‘This is an important milestone for Port of Antwerp and the entire port community which shows we are on the track with our ambitions. We want to use this financial leverage to strengthen the further greening and sustainability of the port platform and to position our port as the ultimate Green Port of Europe.’