From the seas to the skies: greening ports and airports in the EU

In the vibrant cities of Brussels and Antwerp, in Belgium, a pivotal event unfolded that is shaping the future of sustainable transport in Europe. The Seas to Skies Conference, held on 3rd and 4th December 2024 at Brussels Airport's Skyhall and the Queen Elisabeth Hall (concert and venue hall) in Antwerp, brought together 250 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators. This gathering was a testament to the collective commitment to decarbonising ports and airports. 

Ports and airports play a crucial role in global trade, logistics and travel, yet shipping and air transport are also some of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The urgency to decarbonise these sectors has never been greater. The Seas to Skies Conference provided a platform for stakeholders to share their knowledge and experiences, aligning with the broader goal of the EU Green Deal of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It also highlighted the importance of promoting integrated, cross-sector efforts to achieve Europe’s sustainability objectives.

The conference was a hive of activity, where innovative ideas were exchanged, and collaborative solutions were shared. Over the two days, participants engaged in discussions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of these critical transport sectors, sharing insights and pioneering solutions that they have developed. 

A focus on decarbonising ports and airports

The conference was organised by two prominent EU Green Deal Call-funded projects: STARGATE and PIONEERS. These two projects, alongside OLGA, TULIPS, and MAGPIE, are working together to address environmental challenges in the transportation sector. The five projects have benefitted collectively from grants worth EUR 125 million from the EU’s programme for research and innovation, Horizon 2020, managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

Day one of the event took place at Brussels Airport's Skyhall, and day two was hosted at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp. Discussions focused on topics leveraging digital innovations for more sustainable ports & airports and fostering connectivity and modal shift for tomorrow’s mobility.  This blended approach between the two venues emphasised the interconnectedness of the two modes of air and sea transport in the broader context of environmental sustainability.

STARGATE and PIONEERS, as leading EU-funded projects, have been instrumental in promoting innovation in their respective domains. On the one hand, STARGATE focuses on aviation, and particularly on making airport operations more energy-efficient, and exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuels. PIONEERS, on the other hand, aims to reduce emissions in port operations by developing and implementing advancements in technology and smart energy. The participation from OLGA, TULIPS, and MAGPIE further enriched the conference, since each project presented unique perspectives and solutions.

Figure 1: Paloma Aba Garrote, Director CINEA at the Seas to Skies Conference in Antwerp. © PIONEERS

Innovations and plans presented by each project

STARGATE 

STARGATE has been at the forefront of the promotion of sustainable aviation solutions. At the conference, the project presented advancements in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and energy-efficient airport operations. Notably, STARGATE has successfully implemented energy-saving measures across airport infrastructures, which has led to a measurable reduction in carbon footprints. A key takeaway from their presentation was the critical role of alternative fuels in mitigating aviation-related emissions, highlighting the importance of continued research and adoption of SAFs.

The project presented specific case studies in which energy efficiency measures, including electrified ground handling equipment, autonomous shuttle testing, and hydrogen solutions, reaffirming the value of collaboration Additionally, STARGATE emphasised the key role of collaboration to facilitate the widespread adoption of SAFs and, more generally, to speed up industry transformation. 

DHL and electric ground handling equipment, The autonomous shuttle, and Hydrogen tests (with MULAG) © STARGATE

Figure 2: Herald Ruijters, Deputy Director-General for Mobility and Transport for European Commission, at the Seas to Skies Conference, Brussels Airport Skyhall, Zaventem, 3 December 2024 © David Plas 

PIONEERS 

The PIONEERS consortium addresses the maritime sector and focuses its efforts on decarbonising port operations through innovative technologies. During the conference, the PIONEERS consortium highlighted its completion of 13 demonstration projects which were developed at the lighthouse port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, and the fellow ports of Barcelona (Spain), of Constanta (Romania), and of Venlo (the Netherlands), contributing to emission reductions in port ecosystems. 

Figure 3: PIONEERS delegation at Seas to Skies Conference, Zaventem, 3 December 2024

In one pf the demonstration projects, a smart energy management system was implemented within ports, optimising energy consumption and integrating renewable energy sources. Furthermore, PIONEERS encompasses the importance of digitalisation, illustrating how operational efficiency and emission reductions in port activities can be enhanced by data-driven approaches.

Green straddle carrier, electric terminal tractor, and an inland automated vessel © PIONEERS

MAGPIE 

The MAGPIE project aims to accelerate the adoption of green energy carriers in port-related transport through technological and non-technological solutions to develop smart, green, and efficient multimodal ports. Key efforts include digitisation, automation, and the creation of a European Green Ports Masterplan.

During the first day of the conference MAGPIE highlighted several key innovations, the first of which, presented by the Port of Rotterdam was a digital traffic management tool designed to optimise truck traffic and reduce congestion, the second was an autonomous electric barge aimed at decarbonising inland waterway transport, and the third, presented by TNO, focused on green and autonomous trucking solutions. During the second day, Erasmus UPT discussed non-technological solutions to support the implementation of green technologies. Zero Emissions Shipping presented the Green Energy Container Solution, which uses hydrogen and lithium-ion energy packs to power e-barges, and TNO introduced a greenhouse gas (GHG) Emission Tool, designed to help ports manage their operations with a lower environmental impact.

Throughout the marketplace hosted during the conference, MAGPIE showcased additional innovations: Erasmus UPT highlighted its monitoring strategy; Blue Water presented the e-buoy model as a sustainability tool; and finally, Distro Energy outlined its demonstration of on shore-power peak shaving to optimise energy use in ports.

       
Offshore charging buoy, green connected truck and a green energy container  © MAGPIE

Figure 4: Jorrit Harmsen from MAGPIE at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp © MAGPIE, 3 December 2024

OLGA 

The OLGA project is coordinated by Groupe ADP, with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as a frontrunner, and including airports such as Milan-Malpensa in Italy, Zagreb in Croatia, and Cluj Napoca in Romania, along with airlines, public authorities, researchers, and startups. It has the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions, improving air quality, and preserving biodiversity in the aviation sector through replicable environmental solutions across European airports.

During the Seas to Skies Conference, OLGA presented several Innovative Energy Efficiency Solutions implemented at the Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris, including Smart Apron Lighting, Versatile Terminal Lighting, Upgraded Pre-Boarding Bridge Glazing, and Solar-Powered Boarding Bridges. 

Smart apron lighting, smart terminal lighting and solar-powered boarding bridge © OLGA

The Real-Time Air Modelling System (RTAMS), i.e. a dashboard which tracks emissions from aircraft, ground service equipment, and road traffic using GIS data was also presented at the Conference. It provides Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), pollutant maps, and scenario analysis, such as switching to electric vehicles or sustainable fuels. Plans are underway to expand RTAMS to more airports for improved air quality monitoring.

Progress in the advancement of Intermodality at Charles de Gaulle Airport was also discussed. In particular, high-speed rail integration is seen as essential for encouraging sustainable travel, but many passengers remain unaware of combined rail-air travel options. Challenges such as early morning flights highlight the need for night-time train services. Train + Air services have been implemented to offer combined flight-train tickets, improving passenger convenience. Infrastructure expansion near Orly Airport is also planned to enhance intermodal options.

Multimodal Traffic Flow Optimisation through Telecom Data and Machine Learning was also discussed at the Conference. In particular, a tool has been developed, which provides real-time insights on passenger behaviour and seasonal trends, identifies underdeveloped markets to help establish new flight routes, and offers 97% accuracy, outperforming traditional surveys.

The OLGA project also discussed its focus on SAF traceability through a blockchain-based, presented by Attributes. The goal is to ensure data security, auditability, and regulatory compliance for SAF. A "Book-and-Claim" pilot with Air France tested SAF allocation to specific flights during the summer 2024 in Paris, while key challenges include preventing double-counting and ensuring full transparency throughout the supply chain.

Finally, the project highlighted its development of a demonstrator tool which allocates SAF sustainability attributes to specific flights, by integrating data acquisition, allocation processes, and verification and audit trails. 

Figure 5: OLGA project at Brussels Airport Skyhall, Zaventem, 3 December 2024

TULIPS 

The TULIPS project aims to advance low-carbon mobility and sustainability solutions at airports, supporting Schiphol Group’s goals of achieving zero-emissions and zero-waste airports by 2030 and net zero aviation emissions by 2050. Key initiatives include reducing vehicle emissions, testing electric and hydrogen recharging facilities for aircraft, promoting circular use of materials, optimising multimodal transport solutions, and scaling up the use of SAF.

The TULIPS team showcased several demonstrations at the conference. Firstly, under Sustainable Intermodal Transport Connections, the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) app was introduced, which helps passengers arriving by air calculate the most efficient and sustainable last-mile connections. An intermodal airport hub model to reduce emissions at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was also presented, and discussions on green and connected trucking solutions took place.

For Energy Supply of Future Aircraft, the project discussed its work on liquid hydrogen supply chains at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) in the Netherlands, where a breakthrough in clean aviation energy is being achieved by developing solutions for fuelling small aircraft with liquid hydrogen.

In the Smart Airport Energy Hub category, the project showcased two innovations: a compact heat storage system that converts sustainable electricity into storable heat, and the Iron Flow Battery (IFB), which provides large-scale electricity storage. Both technologies help relieve grid stress and ensure a stable energy supply for electric equipment at Schiphol Airport.

Hydrogen-powered tow tractor, iron flow battery, and liquid hydrogen storage for fuelling small aircraft © TULIPS

Lastly, regarding Scaling Up the SAF Market, TULIPS discussed its support of SAF adoption at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol through partnerships and subsidies, benefitting 14 airlines in 2024. Additionally, innovations such as eSAF production, blending hubs, and new storage facilities are being explored in order to drive sustainable aviation.

Figure 6:  Tulips project at Brussels Airport Skyhall, Zaventem, 3 December 2024 © TULIPS December 2024

Importance of the session

The Seas to Skies Conference served as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge among key stakeholders in the transportation sector. By bringing together experts from both ports and airports, the event facilitated the discussion of successful strategies and innovations, fostering a collaborative environment which is essential for the implementation of unified decarbonisation efforts. The conference highlighted the interconnectedness of transportation modes and emphasised the benefits of integrated approaches to sustainability, setting a precedent for future initiatives.

The discussions at the conference also underscored the significance of policy support and regulatory frameworks in the achievement of decarbonisation goals. Participants highlighted the importance of harmonised policies across the EU, collaborative research initiatives, and financial incentives for green investments. Participation in the conference also provided an opportunity stakeholder networking, enabling the latter to establish partnerships that can help drive future projects and innovations.

Areas to be amplified in the future

Several focal areas have been identified to amplify the momentum generated by the conference with regards to advancements in decarbonising the transport sector:

• Funding opportunities: Exploring opportunities to scale up successful pilot projects through increased investment and financial support, ensuring that proven innovations can be implemented more broadly throughout the sector.

• Alternative fuels research: Continuing research into alternative fuels, including hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels, to improve their viability and facilitate their integration into existing systems.

• Ongoing collaboration: Establishing fora and collaborative platforms to promote continuous knowledge sharing, monitor progress, and adapt strategies in response to emerging challenges and technological advancements.

Conclusion

The Seas to Skies Conference constitutes an example of the power of collaboration in addressing the pressing issue of decarbonising ports and airports. The two-day event not only highlighted a unified commitment to sustainable transport, but also provided a model for future efforts through shared innovations and collective resolve. As the transport sector continues to evolve, the insights and partnerships forged during this conference will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious environmental goals outlined in the EU Green Deal. The conference also emphasised the key role of continuous research, innovation, investment, and collaboration in creating a sustainable future for transport, in which ports and airports serve as examples of environmental responsibility and efficiency.

Figure 6: MAGPIE project representatives at the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp. © MAGPIE

References

European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. (2024, December 5). Ports and airports collaborating for a greener future from “Seas to Skies”. Retrieved from European Commission: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/ports-and-airports-collabor…

MAGPIE. (2024, December 13). The MAGPIE Consortium presents its findings during the Seas to Skies Conference. Retrieved from https://www.magpie-ports.eu/the-magpie-consortium-presents-its-findings…

OLGA. (2024, December 17). OLGA Project Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovations at the Seas to Skies Conference. Retrieved from OLGA: https://www.olga-project.eu/post/olga-project-showcases-cutting-edge-in…

Pioneers. (2024, December 5). EU Green Deal partners unite for Seas to Skies Conference. Retrieved from Pioneers: https://pioneers-ports.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Seas-to-Skies-Conf…

TULIPS. (2024, December). TULIPS takes the stage at Seas to Skies Conference. Retrieved from TULIPS: https://tulips-greenairports.eu/tulips-takes-the-stage-at-seas-to-skies…