The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched Carbonbid, a pilot program aimed at accelerating emissions reductions in the Rotterdam port area through targeted financial support. With a total budget of €3.5 million, the initiative invites project proposals that offer cost-effective climate solutions for port-related activities not covered by the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
Focused Support for Emissions Outside EU ETS
Carbonbid specifically targets emissions not regulated under the EU ETS, such as those from logistics, small-scale industrial activities, and other operations typically overlooked by major climate regulations. The goal is to stimulate innovation and action among companies that may lack the scale or resources to participate in existing decarbonisation programs.
Eligible participants include start-ups, service providers, equipment manufacturers, and any companies — both within and outside the port — that can demonstrate a credible and measurable contribution to emissions reduction in the area.
Competitive Selection Based on Cost-Effectiveness
Funding will be allocated to projects that deliver the greatest emissions reduction per euro requested. Proposals must aim to reduce at least 100 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and only projects that have not yet started will be considered.
Each project may apply for up to €700,000, and the total fund will be divided among at least five projects. Projects must be completed by 2030, aligning with the port’s broader decarbonisation timeline.
Applications must be submitted before 18 July 2025, and selected participants will negotiate contracts in January 2026.
Port Authority’s Broader Climate Vision
Matthijs van Doorn, Commercial Director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized the strategic importance of the program:
“The climate challenge facing the Port of Rotterdam is considerable, and its success will determine the future of the port. As the manager and developer of the area, the Port Authority is therefore constantly looking at ways in which it can contribute to reducing emissions by companies in the port, while maintaining an attractive investment climate. We are already working on many different projects for the energy and raw materials transition, and since last year we’ve been negotiating agreements with companies based in the port to reduce their emissions. Customers who invest in sustainability will receive a discount on their rent. Carbonbid is a pilot project aimed at discovering whether targeted financial assistance can make it more attractive for companies to accelerate the reduction of emissions in the port area. This allows us to tap into the knowledge and creativity of entrepreneurs themselves. After all, they know best what works in practice.”
The pilot is part of a broader approach by the Port Authority, which already offers rent discounts to companies that invest in sustainability and is engaged in large-scale energy and materials transition projects.
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Source: Port of Rotterdam
