Rotterdam advances Europe’s largest hydrogen plant

Air Products is advancing construction of its new liquid hydrogen facility at the Port of Rotterdam, with the project now over 65 per cent complete and on track for a 2027 start-up.

Once finished, the plant will be the largest liquid hydrogen facility of its kind in Europe, reinforcing Rotterdam’s position as a key hydrogen hub within the region.

The development is set to significantly expand Europe’s liquid hydrogen supply, supporting demand across multiple sectors, including electronics manufacturing, space applications, industrial processing, road mobility, maritime, aviation and emerging energy markets.

Integrated into Air Products’ existing hydrogen network within the Rotterdam industrial cluster, the facility will supply customers across the Benelux, France, Germany and the UK, strengthening cross-border energy distribution.

For ports and terminals, the project signals continued momentum in hydrogen infrastructure deployment, with implications for future bunkering, landside energy integration and industrial decarbonisation strategies.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “As Europe’s largest port and a key energy hub, Rotterdam is committed to enabling the development of Europe’s hydrogen economy. Air Products’ investment strengthens the infrastructure needed for industrial decarbonisation and ensures a reliable, locally available hydrogen supply for businesses across the region.”

Recently, six rail operators active on the Port Railway Line in Rotterdam agreed to a new framework aimed at improving operational coordination and reducing disruption across the network.