North Sea Port Conference
On 21 September 2026, North Sea Port and Nieuwsblad Transport, together with Nederland Waterstofland, will welcome more than 400 participants from ports, industry, government authorities, and civil society organisations to Ghent for the North Sea Port Conference 2026. With the Province of Zeeland and Smart Delta Resources as event partners, this edition will focus on the theme “Making a Difference for Industry and Society.”
Hydrogen, renewable energy, circular feedstocks, CCUS, and cross-border infrastructure all play a crucial role in the transition towards a more sustainable economy. Ports and industrial clusters such as North Sea Port serve as strategic hubs for sustainable growth, innovation, and European cooperation.
With inspiring speakers, the latest insights, and ample opportunities for networking, the North Sea Port Conference 2026 offers a unique platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and work together towards a more sustainable future for our region and for Europe.
The North Sea Port Conference brings together professionals who are active in and around the port, industrial, and energy sectors. The conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, build new connections, and discuss the future of hydrogen, industry, and energy in our regions.
At the North Sea Port Conference, you will have the opportunity to meet, among others:
- Port and industrial companies
- Energy and hydrogen professionals
- Logistics and supply chain experts
- Policymakers and government authorities
- Leaders from cities, municipalities, and provinces
- Knowledge institutions and research organisations
- Sustainability and innovation experts
- Civil society organisations and stakeholders
- Political representatives
- Business leaders from the Netherlands, Flanders, and beyond
Programme
- 12:00-13:30 | Registration, Welcome & Networking Lunch
- 13:30-13:50 | Opening of the North Sea Port Conference 2026
- Francesca Vanthielen (Moderator)
- Cas König (CEO, North Sea Port)
- Bart Meyvis (Director, Promedia Belgium)
- 13:50-14:10 | Setting the Scene: The Role of Ports and Industrial Clusters in a Changing Europe
- Liesje Schreinemacher (Deputy Secretary-General, Benelux Union)
- 14:10-14:50 | Europe at the Helm of the Industrial and Energy Transition
- Tudor Constantinescu (Principal Adviser, DG Energy)
- Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (CEO, Hydrogen Europe)
- Torsten Klimke (Head of Unit, Ports, Security and Inland Navigation, DG MOVE)
- Isabelle Ryckbost (Secretary-General, ESPO)
- 14:50-15:15 | The Infrastructure of Tomorrow
- Pascal De Buck (CEO, Fluxys)
- Willemien Terpstra (CEO, Gasunie)
- Cas König (CEO, North Sea Port)
- 15:15-15:50 | Networking Break
- 16:00-16:25 | Industry in Transition
- Vincent Verbeke (CEO, ENGIE H2BE)
- Jessica Hahn (General Manager, Zeeland Refinery)
- Luc Cattoir (Plant Manager & Managing Director, Yara Sluiskil)
- 16:25-16:50 | Innovation as a Driver of the Circular Industry
- Alexander Fokker (Managing Director, LBC Vlissingen & Duisburg)
- Alex Miles (Vice President Commercial Development, Enerkem)
- Dirk Snel (Vice President Engineering, LanzaTech)
- 16:50-17:00 | NL Waterstofland Front Runner Award
- Maarten den Dekker (Member of the Board of North Sea Port & Director of Smart Delta Resources Netherlands)
- 17:00-17:20 | The Future of Our Port and Industrial Region
- Annick De Ridder (Flemish Minister for Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sports)
- 17:20-18:00 | Networking Drinks & Closing Reception