Jelmer Bruijn

Abstract: Seaports and the connected shipping industry contribute up to 2.9% of global emissions, which is expected to increase by 130% until 2050. Additionally, seaports often function as ‘FF hubs,’ hosting industrial activities in the fossil fuel sector. Consequently, seaports emerge as crucial sites for reducing emissions and phasing out fossil fuels. Despite their significance, there is limited research on the conditions necessary for reducing emissions and phasing out fossil fuels in port areas, particularly regarding the role of Port Authorities. This study aims to examine these conditions through a case study to the Port of Amsterdam, focusing on the roles of both the Port Authority and external actors in facilitating this transition. To map these conditions, the Multi-Level Perspective theory is used to analyze external factors, while the Environmentally Friendly Behavior framework is employed to assess the role of the Port Authority. The research involves 19 interviews with various stakeholders in the port area and a content analysis of policy documents (12) (international, European, national) and the Port Authority’s visions (4) and annual reports (2). The findings indicate that a combination of technical (lack of infrastructure), financial (high price of fossil fuels, dependency on fossil fuel income), socio-political (e.g. weak policy framework), legal (long term contracts with fossil fuel companies, nitrogen crisis), and spatial (scarcity) external challenges, along with the Port Authority’s underutilization of its full potential to support the transition, currently hamper progress. However, the study identifies a set of conditions (e.g. electricity grid expansion, improvements in policy framework) necessary for a successful transition. This research highlights the need for a more proactive role from the Port Authority and various actions from other port stakeholders to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels in the port area.