4th Port of Zwolle debate charts the course for sustainable growth and collaboration

Last night, the 4th Port of Zwolle Debate took place at the Stadsgehoorzaal in Kampen, bringing together government officials and representatives from the maritime and logistics sectors to discuss the future of the Zwolle region as a port area. Opened by Kampen Mayor Sander de Rouwe, the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions about opportunities and challenges in the port industry, with a special focus on infrastructure, energy, and sustainability.

Exclusive site-visit at MBI

The evening began with an exclusive site visit to MBI, recently named "Port Entrepreneur of the Year." A select group of attendees was given a behind-the-scenes tour, offering valuable insights into MBI's operational processes and innovations. The visit highlighted the company’s contributions to innovation and sustainability in the region.

Infrastructure: A bottleneck for growth

The first debate round focused on infrastructure, with contributions from Jan Klopman (Deputy of Flevoland), Paul Dirix (CEO, Port of Moerdijk), Larissa van der Lugt (Director, Erasmus UPT), and Sieger Dijkstra (Chair, VNO-NCW North). Moderated by Zwolle Alderman Paul Guldemond, the discussion addressed the limitations of existing infrastructure and the lack of space for expansion. Participants agreed that Port of Zwolle’s ambitions, along with those of neighboring municipalities, face significant barriers that demand urgent solutions and partnerships. The consensus was clear: without improved infrastructure, the Zwolle region cannot fully realize its economic potential.

Energy and grid congestion: a pressing challenge

The second debate round, moderated by Kampen Alderman Bas Wonink, shifted the focus to energy challenges. Growing grid congestion in the port area poses a serious obstacle to new developments and the expansion of existing businesses. Panelists, including Overijssel Deputy Erwin Hoogland, IC Kampen Chair Bert Weever, Eline van Krimpen of Deltalinqs, and Cas König, CEO of Groningen Seaports, discussed potential solutions and the role Port of Zwolle might play in infrastructure development to address these challenges. All agreed that collaboration and a shared vision are critical for ensuring a sustainable energy supply.

An European perspective on the future

An inspiring keynote by Jeanette Baljeu, Member of the European Parliament, emphasized the EU’s role in fostering growth. Baljeu highlighted opportunities for the future and underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration to create resilient, future-proof networks.

Key takeaways and closing

The evening concluded with a summary of key insights by Rob Oostermeijer and Jeroen van den Ende of Port of Zwolle. Reflecting on the valuable discussions, they reaffirmed the need for a shared vision to transform the Zwolle region into a competitive and sustainable port area.

The event ended with a networking reception, where participants exchanged ideas and forged new connections over refreshments. The 4th Port of Zwolle Debate showcased a strong emphasis on collaboration and sustainable solutions, marking an important step toward a future-proof port region.