Regional ports integral to the energy transition

At a recent European Parliament conference organised by Ports of Normandy, regional leaders, MEPs and industry experts united to emphasise how local ports are indispensable for achieving Europe’s green ambitions.

“Our ports are at the heart of France’s industrial and energy revival. They must be recognised as European infrastructures of the future, just like major logistics hubs,” said Hervé Morin, President of the Normandy Region and Ports of Normandy.

Level playing field

Mr Morin’s remarks underscore how regional ports such as Cherbourg, Caen and Dieppe are already leading the shift toward renewable marine energy and low-carbon growth.

Supported by the Normandy Region, the event highlighted the need for continued funding of maritime infrastructure beyond 2027 to secure Europe’s industrial and energy sovereignty.

Speakers called for greater EU recognition of territorial ports in future strategies, ensuring dedicated funding for decarbonisation, shore power and the development of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen.

The conference led to a strong consensus: Although less visible than those in the core network, territorial ports are now essential to the implementation of the European Green Deal.

“Regional ports, as planning and added value creation tools on the territories, demonstrate their strategic value every day,” said Philippe Deiss, director general of Ports de Normandie.

”They must be fully integrated into the priorities of the next European budget. The energy transition will not happen without them.”