The Belgian port, transport, and logistics sector is in complete transition toward decarbonization, sustainability, and digitalization. According to the new ING Port Study, the sector is embracing change but also faces several challenges.
The study examines the factors that accelerate the implementation of greening and digitalization, as well as the barriers that exist. The aim was to gather input from the port, logistics sector, companies, stakeholders in and around the ports, and to map their experiences, expectations, and perceptions.
The results will serve as a basis for policy actions, strategic choices, and pathways for further sustainability and digitalization.
Operational necessities
The study highlights that these transitions, driven by stricter regulations and growing customer and investor demands, are no longer abstract concepts but operational necessities for companies. The main drivers for transition are maintaining a strong competitive position and regulatory compliance.
Most respondents (81%) believe that digitalization strengthens their competitive position, while only 64% see this happening through greening initiatives. Digitalization is generally viewed as a financially sounder investment, delivering immediate benefits in terms of efficiency and profitability.
Opportunities
The researchers advise the sector not to view sustainability initiatives as obligations, but as opportunities to attract customers, investors, and talent. Furthermore, there is a need for robust business cases, public-private partnerships to share risks and expertise, and training for employees.
The sector is also encouraged to accelerate digital adoption, particularly in proven technologies such as warehouse management systems and data analytics, to commit to a more data-driven and agile future.
Conclusion
Strategic planning will become increasingly crucial for the sector. Port companies must develop sustainability and digitalization roadmaps that include clear milestones, investment planning, risk assessment, and scenarios.
Collaboration between companies, governments, and knowledge institutions is crucial. There will also be a need for financial incentives (such as subsidies, interest rate reductions, and risk sharing), support measures (including technical and regulatory assistance, as well as permits), and possibly guidance for smaller players.
Not on par (yet) with top ports
Belgian ports appear to be committed to participating in the green and digital transition, as evidenced by their intentions and policy developments. However, it remains unclear to what extent they are comparable to ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Singapore.
In its sustainability report, Rotterdam is profiled as actively engaged in climate mitigation, with both its own emissions and emissions from the port and industrial complex being monitored. The objectives are also aligned with limiting warming to +1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, and with EU targets.
The ING Port study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Antwerp and VIL (Flanders’ Innovation and Logistics Cluster), under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Theo Notteboom. The ING Port Study results, which will be presented after the summer, are expected to contain more concrete figures that will be essential for benchmarking.
