EUR 375,000 to make the port on the left bank of the Scheldt even more sustainable

The Province of East Flanders and MLSO are joining forces to make the port on the left bank of the Scheldt even more sustainable. The Province will invest 75,000 euros each year for this purpose over a 5-year period. Maxim Schroeyers, who will coordinate various sustainable assignments within the port on the left bank of the Scheldt, has already begun to deploy these funds.

"MLSO has been working for several years to bring about sustainable initiatives. With this support from the Province, we can continue to work on the accumulation and transfer of knowledge concerning the energy transition and circular economy in the port on the left bank of the Scheldt" - Boudewijn Vlegels, chairperson of MLSO’s Board of Directors

The Province of East Flanders and MLSO want the port on the left bank of the Scheldt to be climate neutral, circular and future-oriented by 2050. To achieve this goal, we will work together more closely on three levers:

Efficient use of space

As elsewhere, space must be used as efficiently as possible within the port area. Spaces that are already in use can be optimised through maximum internal expansion. In zones where there is still room for expansion, one of the key solutions is business park management. Its business park management, Logigrid pilot project and ecological layout mean that the Waasland Logistics Park-phase West can serve as an example for future zones.

Energy transition and circular economy

The port on the left bank of the Scheldt is already fulfilling a pioneering role in the field of energy transition. Take Ecluse, for example, or the wind turbines at Wind aan de Stroom, where renewable energy is generated on a large scale and often used directly by the companies located here. There are also ideas for battery storage and a fully-fledged hydrogen factory in the port on the left bank of the Scheldt. The partners want to further develop the knowledge and innovation present here and share it with all the companies located in the port area.

Cooperation as a lever

Cooperation within the port is the best lever for achieving all these objectives. Therefore, MLSO can count on the support of the Province of East Flanders and the Provincial Development Agency of East Flanders. The Provincial Development Agency (POM) can provide expertise on business park management and climate action. An annual networking event with all parties involved will ensure optimal exchange between the port and its surroundings.