The nature permit for the construction of a brand new electric container port in Waalwijk has been annulled by the judge. According to the East Brabant court, the province has not sufficiently substantiated why the port should be built, despite a vulnerable nature reserve nearby. This means that the planned start of the project has been canceled for the time being. Yet councilor Frank Spierings does not accept it. “This port must be created.”
The project should become the first fully electric inland port in Europe, at Haven 8 in Waalwijk. Larger container ships have to transport goods from Rotterdam and Antwerp to Central Brabant. The municipality wants to partly shift freight transport from road to water, using electric cranes.
The municipality wants to partly shift freight transport from the road to the water. The containers must be handled using large, durable cranes, as is also done in other major ports.
Green harbour
Electric inland vessels will be provided with charging stations and the entire port area must run on green energy. For example, wind turbines are planned, solar panels are being installed on the roofs of companies and a biomass power plant must provide sufficient energy.
The project has a hefty price tag of around 30 million euros. “A port with a larger container terminal that is interesting for the entire region,” is how councilor Spierings previously described the plan.
The sustainable port must ensure that roaring diesel trucks have to use the road less often. “That saves about 1,700 tons of CO₂ every year.”
In March, project leader Harald Wouters was already visibly enthusiastic about the arrival of the brand new, green port. “It’s super cool that you’re the first in Europe,” he said. “We can’t wait. We are ready to start as soon as possible.”
Objection registered
But that start is now delayed. The From GOL to Better Foundation registered an objection against the plans of the province and the municipality. The court has now struck out the permit required to make construction possible.
The verdict is harsh: the province has not sufficiently demonstrated why additional nitrogen space is needed near a vulnerable nature reserve.
Because the port site is being constructed near a Natura 2000 area, a special nature permit is required. This was previously granted by the province, but the judge does not agree. Without this permit, construction may not begin.
What is a Natura 2000 area?
Natura 2000 areas form a network of protected natural areas within the European Union. According to the EU, biodiversity on the continent is under pressure.
The designated areas are intended to protect vulnerable and endangered plants and animal species and preserve biodiversity. The Dutch government is obliged to protect this nature.
Construction or other interventions in or near a Natura 2000 area are therefore only allowed with a special permit.
“We respect the judge’s ruling, but of course we find the outcome extremely disappointing,” Spierings responded in a statement. “The further development of the business park is therefore significantly delayed.”
More expensive project
The councilor also fears that the postponement will only make the project more expensive. In the meantime, entrepreneurs, the government and the province have already contributed. “The port is precisely intended to make freight transport cleaner and quieter.”
The province can still appeal against the ruling. It is not yet known if and when that will happen.
