Commissioned by Port of Rotterdam, we conducted an exploration to transform the former Kolenbak, located in the M4H/Makers District, into a beacon for the energy transition. A place where conventional and renewable energy come together, both on a cultural and a business level. To this end, Port of Rotterdam wants to place one or more offshore assets as icons in the Kolenbak, to function as an attraction for both the broader general public and relevant business stakeholders.
About the assignment & the approach
In addition to making an inventory of actual/potential physical assets, the assignment included creating a stage for this story, both the physical structure that will serve as an eye-catcher and the involvement of strategic parties (potential partners and iconic projects) who will play an important role in the energy transition. Taking a leading role towards market parties we can involve, who potentially have assets available and with whom we can create a win-win. The assignment also included creating the basis for this plan towards (internal) stakeholders, the municipality, educations, port promotion communities, industry associations, etc.
We started discussions with various energy operators, offshore contractors and traders to find out which assets will become available when and in what form/dimension. What makes it interesting to participate in this initiative, what points of interest are and what options are most promising for Port of Rotterdam.
We also checked the interest in future partnerships and/or possible iconic projects for the Kolenbak with both asset owners and other stakeholders.
The results, initial ideas and thoughts were shared amongst interested parties and potential future partners during a breakfast session.
During this project we worked closely with the Port of Rotterdam team and Games at Work.
Follow-up phase II (work in progress)
The exploration showed that there is interest and enthusiasm in the market. Also, developments such as the Sector Agenda Maritime Manufacturing Industry and the Maritime Master Plan offer good starting points and momentum. Therefore, this assignment will be continued with phase II, in which the foundation (phase I) will be converted into actual commitment. Making the translation – from businesses that have assets, to artistic/creative ideas and vice versa for involving their stakeholders/target groups – is obviously an important part of the follow-up. Relevant programming will also be composed for the first year and connections will be made with ongoing programs and initiatives at RDM and M4H.