The Ports of Houston and Antwerp-Bruges, along with other partners, will explore a mutually beneficial collaboration centred on importing and exporting renewable and low-carbon molecules.

The collaboration aims to establish a green shipping corridor and facilitate the exchange of best practices, expertise, and research.

The additional partners of this agreement include the Center for Houston’s Future, Waterstofnet, Exmar and the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition.

Houston and Antwerp are the biggest petrochemical clusters in the world, many Belgian and US companies are present on both sides and the long-standing commercial maritime connection between both ports is a backbone for cooperation.

Blue Sky Maritime Coalition brings together more than 120 member organisations, including leadership of the green shipping corridor from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to work on maritime decarbonization and transportation of clean energy fuels with the other partners.

Center CEO, Brett Perlman, said: “The Center for Houston’s Future, building on our recent trade mission to Germany and Poland in which we explored developing a transatlantic clean hydrogen alliance, was excited to welcome Prime Minister De Croo as he participated in a clean energy roundtable hosted by the Greater Houston Partnership.

“The discussion highlighted opportunities for collaboration, while the MoU creates a framework for deeper engagement with our colleagues in Belgium.”

Wim Dillen, International Development Manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, stated: “This partnership is not only forming a bridge between continents, but is also fuelling the greening of the two most important chemical clusters in the world.

“We will pave the way for a new era of energy synergy, underlining the significance of international collaboration in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Port Houston Chief Infrastructure Officer and Blue Sky Board Member, Rich Byrnes, added: “We are pleased to be a signatory to this MoU and look forward to working with all partners to develop this vital green shipping corridor.

“This partnership represents a great opportunity to progress our shared goals of decarbonisation in maritime, environmental sustainability, and trade development in clean energy.”

In November, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges chose Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and the TRATON GROUP, to develop two charging hubs at the Truck Parking Goordijk and Ketenis.