Liveability

Activities in the port naturally also have an impact on the environment. It is therefore our task to ensure the social added value for the residents of North Sea Port. Creating employment, improving mobility, defending safety, monitoring health and restoring nature are an integral part of the sustainable developments in and around our port.

Employment

The arrival of new companies and the growth of existing companies – mainly in the field of energy transition and circular economy – provide no fewer than 106,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. In addition, the port generates 12.7 billion euros in added value, which puts it in third place in the ranking of European ports.

To fill vacancies in and around the port area more quickly, job seekers will soon be able to visit the platform North Sea Port Talent, the place where supply and demand can be even better matched.

Mobility

In a port area of 9,100 hectares, stretching from Vlissingen and Terneuzen in the Netherlands to Ghent in Belgium, thousands of employees commute to one of the more than 550 companies in the port every day. We want to encourage them to opt for sustainable transport, such as bicycle, bus, shuttle, collective transport, carpooling or ferry services. That is why we continue to invest in convenient and safe infrastructure.

Report (drug) crime anonymously

A port area is sometimes a sought-after area for (drug) criminals, and crime also occurs in seaports such as Vlissingen, Terneuzen and Ghent. That is why we work with many partners, both on the Dutch and Belgian sides of the border. Have you seen something suspicious? Then choose the safety of others and yourself: report criminal activities and suspicious signals anonymously.

For Vlissingen en Terneuzen via Mainport

For Ghent via PortWatch

Healthy local environment

We strive to limit the negative effects of the activities in the port area – such as emissions, congestion, space requirements, odour and noise nuisance – as much as possible on various fronts for its residents. Furthermore, North Sea Port naturally adheres to international agreements.

Nature

In order to shield the residential areas in the Ghent Canal Zone from port activities, we are also developing coupling or buffer areas. And in order to restore nature on the Dutch side, various places are being developed – temporarily or otherwise – as nature, recreation, forest or agricultural areas where you can cycle, walk or play between infrastructure and art. The Groene Knoop near Westdorpe or the Koegorspolder also increase biodiversity within the port and the quality of life around it.

Visit the port

Visiting North Sea Port is a unique way to experience the port from the inside. With a boat or bus tour you can discover places that you would otherwise not be allowed to go. You can also explore the natural areas around the harbour by bike or on foot. Would you like to get a little closer? Then visit our exhibition at MuZEEum in Vlissingen, the Portaal van Vlaanderen in Terneuzen or the Havenhuis in Ghent for an augmented reality experience!

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