During the The Hague City Council meeting on January 7, 2026, the City Council extensively discussed the proposal to adopt the Scheveningen Port Vision. Council members debated the future of the port and the choices needed to prepare Scheveningen for the recommended decades.
Vision for Scheveningen Port
The Port Vision outlines a long-term perspective for Scheveningen Port, in which the port develops into an economically strong, sustainable, and multifunctional location. The vision emphasizes the importance of:
According to the municipal executive, the vision is intended as a guiding framework, enabling better coordination of future projects and strengthening the port’s strategic position within the city and region.
During the discussion, many council members emphasized the importance of a clear direction for the port. Furthermore, several parties emphasized that the Port Vision’s success hinges on its implementation. They called for swift implementation of concrete next steps, clear priorities, and a realistic schedule. Without clear direction, the vision risks remaining a mere paper document.
Economic development and innovation
Council members expressed their support for strengthening the port’s economic function, particularly in the areas of maritime innovation, offshore activities, and new forms of business. The port is seen as a logical location for experimenting with new technologies and collaborations between businesses, knowledge institutions, and government.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
Sustainability was a prominent topic in the debate. The port must contribute to the energy transition, including by providing space for innovative offshore and energy-related activities. The need to consider climate adaptation and future changes in the use of the coast and sea was also emphasized.
Administrative responsibility
A recurring issue was how best to manage the port. Several council members advocated for greater administrative focus and clear ownership, so that the interests of businesses, residents, and other users can be better aligned.
Determination of the Port Vision
At the end of the debate, the council expressed broad support for adopting the Port Vision as a strategic framework. At the same time, the council emphatically instructed the executive board to translate the vision into concrete implementation agendas, in close collaboration with parties in and around the port.
For Campus@Sea, this council meeting underscores the importance of Scheveningen Port as a field lab for maritime innovation and the blue economy. The emphasis on collaboration, experimentation, and sustainable development aligns with the role Campus@Sea fulfills as a place where entrepreneurs, researchers, and government agencies can meet and test new solutions. The adoption of the Port Vision thus provides an important starting point for further collaboration and innovation in and around the port.
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