Port of Den Helder is aware that, as a port, it is located adjacent to the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea and the Wadden Sea Natura 2000 area. For this reason, the port has deliberately chosen a strategy of sustainable growth, with due consideration for both people and nature.
Port of Den Helder is working towards a sustainable and future-proof port. Due to our location next to the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and the Natura 2000 area, it is essential that economic development and nature remain in balance. Together with companies, governments and knowledge institutions, we are building a port where innovation, energy and nature come together.
Our ambition is clear: a climate-neutral port by 2050. In doing so, we focus not only on our own organisation but also on activities within the port area. By working together with partners, we stimulate sustainable initiatives and contribute to the energy transition both at sea and on land.
Port of Den Helder has been certified according to the EcoPorts Port Environmental Review System (PERS) since 2015. With this European environmental management standard, we continuously work to improve our environmental performance. In doing so, we take into account the unique location of the port next to the vulnerable Wadden Sea area.
Port of Den Helder is actively taking steps to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its own organisation. Since 2024, all electricity used on our quays has been sourced from Dutch wind energy. In addition, we use electric company vehicles and all port lighting has been replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting.
This lighting reduces energy consumption and helps limit light pollution in the Wadden Sea area. When designing and using lighting, we take the guidelines of Dark Sky into account, ensuring that disturbance to nature and the night-time environment is kept to a minimum.
These measures have led to a significant reduction in our CO₂ emissions: since 2018, they have decreased by more than 80%. Our ambition aligns with national and international climate goals: by 2050 we aim to achieve a 95% CO₂ reduction compared to 1990 and a fully circular chain.
We are also working on making shipping more sustainable. Port of Den Helder aims to provide green shore power at all its quays in anticipation of future demand. At present, shore power is available for smaller vessels. From 2026 onwards, one connection will also be available for larger seagoing vessels at the new deep-water quay. This allows ships to switch off their engines while in port, reducing emissions and noise pollution.
In addition, the demand for alternative, sustainable fuels is growing. In the port of Den Helder it is now possible to bunker various fuels. Alongside conventional fuels and GTL, LNG, methanol and hydrogen (gaseous and liquid) can also be bunkered. In this way, the port supports the transition to cleaner shipping and new energy solutions in the North Sea.
The port of Den Helder plays an important role in the circular economy. For example, we facilitate activities related to the decommissioning of offshore installations from the North Sea. Components of these installations are prepared in Den Helder for transport, reuse or recycling.
We also work together with the fishing sector to reduce waste at sea. Through the international Fishing for Litter programme, fishermen bring back the waste they find in their nets to the port, where it is collected and processed. Currently, 93% of the collected fishing waste is recycled.
Within the port area there is also attention for nature and biodiversity. Beehives have been placed at the Kooypunt business park, and in new projects we look for nature-inclusive solutions, for example by designing port structures that provide space for marine organisms.
Sustainability can only be achieved together. That is why Port of Den Helder actively collaborates with companies, governments and other Wadden Sea ports.
