ESPO Award 2024: Let us present the shortlisted projects: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
17 October 2024
Under the theme “Port projects or strategies in the field of circular economy that benefit the city and/or the surrounding community”, the ESPO Award 2024 will go to the port managing body which has developed a circular economy strategy and/or a significant circular economy project involving different stakeholders in or around the port. The winning project will be a project which can clearly demonstrate efforts that actively engage the port and benefit the surrounding community through circular economy activities.
The four projects that are shortlisted for this year’s Award are the projects of: Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), Port of Gothenburg (Sweden), Port of Huelva (Spain) and Port of Seville (Spain).
ESPO is proud to present the shortlisted projects before the winner is announced during the traditional ESPO Award Ceremony and Dinner taking place on November 6 at the Albert Hall. Find out more about the project of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Port Authority of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium
Connecting Communities – Circular Economy at Port of Antwerp-Bruges
1. Congratulations! You have been shortlisted for the ESPO Award 2024! Could you briefly describe your project?
First of all, we are very honoured to be on the shortlist for the ESPO Award 2024. Our project is dedicated to enhancing circularity within the port area through a series of sustainable initiatives. We are determined to transform the port into a circular hub by integrating circular economy principles into our daily operations. This commitment includes promoting and facilitating initiatives such as waste reduction, recycling, construction of circular and sustainable port infrastructure and encouraging the reuse of materials and energy. The initiatives of the Antwerp North Heat Network, the circular cycling path, the new ACC building, and NextGen District show that connecting circularity with the surrounding communities is part of Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ DNA. Through innovative technologies and collaboration with various stakeholders, we are creating a more efficient, sustainable and circular port environment.
2. Could you tell us more about how your project contributes to the development of a circular economy in the port area? How does your port's circular economy strategy or initiative involve different stakeholders and benefit the city and the surrounding community?
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is committed to becoming a climate-neutral port by 2050, with circular economy playing a pivotal role in this journey. We integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of port operations, to the benefit of our port community and its wider surrounding communities. Efficient waste management systems and the reuse of energy, water and different kinds of materials are crucial aspects of our strategy. For instance, the Antwerp North Heat Network repurposes residual heat from industrial processes to provide heating for surrounding residential areas, schools, and public buildings. The network ensures that CO₂ emissions are reduced by 80,000 tonnes annually. On top of that, it enhances well-being of the surrounding communities. Similarly, the NextGen District incentivises and supports businesses within the port to adopt circular practices. We are also committed to developing circular port infrastructure, as demonstrated by the construction of cycle paths using recycled materials and in the roadmap for the construction of our future Antwerp Coordination Centre.
All these initiatives actively involve various stakeholders, including port companies, local authorities, and municipalities. By developing all kinds of circular projects and initiatives, we want to make sure future generations can also enjoy the prosperity and jobs that the port creates. In our sustainable strategy, we keep on putting people, the environment, and climate at the center.
3. Could you describe the original and innovative character of your project?
Our project stands out because of its holistic and integrated approach to circularity. We are not just focusing on one area; instead, we are embedding circular principles into every layer of our port operations, doing so in a very large industrial and logistics hub. Furthermore, the initiatives that we undertake introduce new and innovative ways of working. The Antwerp North Heat Network is Belgium’s first ‘open access’ heat network, allowing any company in the port to connect and use or supply residual heat. The NextGen District is a unique hub for circular economy activities, transforming a former car factory site into a center for innovative industrial activities. Additionally, the cycle path made of recycled plastics in the port area was also the very first of its kind in Belgium.
4. Why do you think your project deserves to win the ESPO Award 2024?
We believe the Port of Antwerp-Bruges deserves to win the ESPO Award 2024 because it demonstrates how a major port can pioneer in the transition towards a circular economy, integrating innovative solutions that benefit both the port and the surrounding communities. To achieve our sustainability goals, we are pushing the boundaries. The initiatives we take not only address environmental challenges but also promote social and economic benefits for the port’s surrounding communities. The NextGen District, the Antwerp North Heat Network, and the circular cycling paths showcase the port's commitment to sustainability and social integration. We do all this in collaboration with the companies in the port and other stakeholders. These efforts align perfectly with the objectives of the ESPO Award.
"The projects concerning circular economy that are taking place at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, reflect the strong connection between communities, as well as the ambition to reconcile people, climate and profit."
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port Antwerp-Bruges
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