We are pleased to announce that the joint final conference of the MAGPIE and PIONEERS projects will take place on 17 September 2026 at De Doelen, Rotterdam (NL). This landmark event will bring together port authorities, policymakers, industry leaders, and knowledge partners to explore what has proven to work in practice. Through concrete demonstration results, hands-on exchange, and tools such as the Green Port Master Plan, the conference will show how innovation can be embedded into long-term port strategies — turning ambition into action. Join the discussion, exchange with peers, and identify your next steps toward a green, resilient, and competitive port ecosystem.
Date: 17 September 2026, Venue: De Doelen, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Registration link, programme and accommodation tips below.
Conference Programme (Work in progress)
09:30 – 10:25
Start & Immersive Welcome
10:25 – 10:40: Opening Plenary – Why Ports Must Change Now
Speakers:
• Isabelle Ryckbost (ESPO), Boudewijn Siemons, CEO, Port of Rotterdam, Rob Smeets, CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Bo Cerup-Simonsen, Chief Executive Officer, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
10:40 – 11:10: Building Resilient Ecosystems – EU Port Strategy, the Role of Sustainability, and Insights from the Green Port Masterplan & Roadmap
Speakers:
• EU strategy representatives, Eva Burm (PIONEERS), Maaike Dalhuisen (MAGPIE)
11:10 – 11:15 Questions & Discussion – Moderator and audience Q&A.
11:15 – 11:40 – Coffee Break
11:40 – 12:05 Keynote: How Do You Change?
Speaker: Lexter Woodley
12:05 – 12:20 – Expert Q&A – On-stage discussion with keynote speaker and experts.
12:20 – 13:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 – 14:30 – Learning Labs – Round 1 – Participants choose one of the five interactive Learning Labs.
Theme 1 – Competitiveness, Innovation & Digitalisation – What if ports shared innovation results as fast as they share turnover data?
Moderator: Maarten Flikkema
Panelists:
• Zenaida Sobral Mourao, Javier Garrido (POB), Jerome Besancenot (HAROPA PORT), Birger Schrevens (IMEC)
Theme 2 – Energy Transition, Sustainability & Clean Industries – What if ports, industry, and logistics operators had to follow one shared energy roadmap: what would change?
Moderator: Timothy Durant
Panelists:
• André Lisboa (EDP), Mathijs De Laet (PSA), Jeroen Pruijn (TU Delft), Rob Kroon (FIER)
Theme 3 – Protect & Secure Ports – What if greening is not just an environmental ambition, but the foundation of a secure and resilient port of the future?
Moderators: Christian Norden & José Sanchez
Panelists:
• Andreas Stolte (Deltaport), Wouter Schmidt (University of Antwerp / Port of Antwerp-Bruges), Pedro do Ó Ramos (APS), Peter Van Wijlick (PoV)
Theme 4 – Access to Finance & Investment – What if we redesigned how we finance innovation—would green port transitions finally gain speed?
Moderator: Gunnar Platz
Panelists: Thiago Tavares (CINEA), Inge Vermeersch (EIB), Esther Poortstra (ZES), Jorrit Harmsen (TNO)
Theme 5 – Social Cohesion, Skills & Quality Jobs – What if innovation causes half of today’s jobs to change or disappear—are we ready?
Moderator: Eva Burm
Panelists: Larissa van der Lugt (EUR UPT), Dieter De Graeve (Seafar), Khalid Tachi (EICB), Arthur Cormier (UITP)
14:30 – 14:50 Coffee Break & Room Change
14:50 – 15:50 Learning Labs – Round 2
Participants have a second opportunity to join one of the five Learning Labs and are encouraged to attend a different theme to broaden their perspective.
16:00 – 16:15: Closing Plenary – What Happens After the Projects End?
Speakers: Inge De Wolf (PIONEERS), Arne-Jan Polman (MAGPIE), Reyer Will (MAGPIE), Lexter Woodley.
- Accomodation
Hilton hotel
Weena 10, Rotterdam, 3012 CM, Netherlands
F +31 10 710 8013
www.hilton.com
Boekingslink: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/magpiepioneersconferencehiltonrotterdam/
Stay at Hilton Rotterdam and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on the Best Available Rate when booking via the dedicated link. Experience comfort and convenience in the heart of the city, ideally located just a 5-minute walk from De Doelen.
Bilderberg parkhotel
Westersingel 70, 3015 LB, Rotterdam
T 0031-10-4408144
reservation@bilderberg-parkhotel.nl
No booking link, but instead use the code “MAGPIE”. Guests who wish to stay with us during the congress between 16 and 18 September can mention this code when making their reservation. This will grant them a 10% discount on the best available rate.
Rotterdam Mariott Hotel
Bookingslink: Book your group rate for MAGPIE/PIONEERS
Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
Weena 686, 3012CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
T +31 (0)10 430 2117
Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam – Central Station By IHG
Weena 121, 3013 CK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)20 797 9196
