Important milestone in the development of Port of Chemelot

Official completion of C3 charging facility within Rhombus UPSIDE II project. Important milestone in Port of Chemelot development thanks to CEF funding.

The completion of the new C3 charging facility within the Rhombus UPSIDE II project marks an important step in making Port of Chemelot in Stein more sustainable. This new charging facility, co-funded by the European Connecting Europe Facilities (CEF) program, is a crucial addition to the infrastructure at the Chemelot site. The project contributes to Chemelot’s ambition to become Europe’s first fully circular chemistry site.

C3 charging system

The C3 loading plant is an advanced facility for the safe and efficient loading and unloading of raw materials such as (bio)propylene. This installation supports Chemelot’s strategic goal of replacing fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives, reducing dependence on fossil raw materials.

Rhombus UPSIDE II project

Rhombus UPSIDE II is a cross-border infrastructure project connecting ports in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The aim of this project is to make freight transport more sustainable and efficient by shifting from road transport to inland waterways. The European subsidy through the CEF program makes these infrastructure improvements possible and helps realize the development of the Port of Chemelot as a smart and sustainable logistics hub. To this end, Chemelot is working with various partners, including Circle Infra Partners, DSM-Firmenich, Wessem Port Services and the Province of Limburg.

European cooperation for a sustainable future

The completion of the C3 loading facility is an important milestone within the European Rhombus network. The facility allows goods to be transported between Euregio ports via inland waterway, significantly reducing emissions and traffic pressure on the road.

“The loading facility at Port of Chemelot is an essential step in the site’s infrastructural transformation towards a sustainable future. Thanks to this collaboration with Europe, we can develop our inland port into a modern, circular logistics hub.” Christian Widdershoven, CEO Circle Infra Partners

Sustainable logistics: shift from road to water

Chemelot’s goal is to be fully circular by 2050. The switch to circular raw materials and the reduction of road transport play a central role in this. AnQore, the first user of the C3 charging facility, is already committed to a sustainable supply of raw materials. The new installation provides them with an efficient and safe infrastructure for this purpose.

“The completion of the C3 charging facility is an important milestone for Chemelot and the region. This project underlines our ambition to become Europe’s first fully circular chemistry site and demonstrates the power of European cooperation. Thanks to the CEF funding, we can take the next step; closer to a climate-neutral future.” Koos van Haasteren, Executive Director Chemelot

Economic and environmental benefits to the region

In addition to benefits for Chemelot itself, the improved infrastructure also has a positive impact on the Limburg region. By integrating the C3 charging facility into the Rhombus UPSIDE II project, Chemelot will be able to make more use of inland shipping. This reduces traffic pressure on the roads, lowers CO₂ emissions and contributes to a safer and more efficient flow of goods in the region. The infrastructure renewal is an important example of European policy aimed at sustainability and innovation.

Future

The Rhombus UPSIDE II project is a good example of how European funding, regional cooperation and private partners contribute to the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy. Chemelot remains committed to sustainable growth, investing in innovative infrastructure that benefits both industry and society.