Meeting Materials 2019

Dutch Shipbuilding

How to become Circulair & Sustainable in 2030?

Groeien met Groen Staal is a National Growth Fund initiative aimed at accelerating the sustainability of the Dutch steel sector. Through new technologies—such as use of green hydrogen, optimized production processes, and pilots for low-emission steel—the program works toward full CO₂ neutrality by 2050. One of its key focus areas is the development of Digital Product Passports (DPPs), supported by several demonstrators.

In this thematic meeting, we will introduce these developments, share practical insights, and explore opportunities to collaborate—so we can accelerate progress together. Through interactive breakout sessions, we will identify common themes to investigate further and lay the groundwork for future industry–academia collaborations in these areas.

Twin transition Circulair & Sustainability

At the same time, circularity needs digitalisation—powered by AI—is transforming every part of the innovation landscape. When circularity and sustainability come together, they form the Twin Transition, a major European priority because of the strong synergy between the two.

Circulair Shipbuilding (Digital Product Passports)

Digital Product Passports are set to become essential tools in the circular economy. They provide transparent, traceable data on material origin, composition, durability, and recyclability. In sectors like shipbuilding, where materials such as steel will undergo major circular changes in the coming years, digital passports will help monitor environmental performance and simplify compliance with emerging regulations.

Sustainable Shipbuilding  (Green Steel)

Sustainability and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping both European and Dutch industry. With clear 2030 and 2050 goals in place, the transition toward a circular and low-carbon economy is no longer optional—it’s urgent. Themes such as circularity, the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the EU Green Deal are increasingly influencing how we design, build, and innovate.

Program coming soon
Registration opens soon

Confirmed Speakers

  • Jan Post (Philips, RU Groningen)

  • Leo van der Burg (FME)

  • René Zijlstra (Provincie Fryslân)

  • Hans van der Weijde (Tata Steel)

  • Boriana Rukanova (TU Delft)

  • Mic Barendz (BmS)

  • Sjoerd Rongen (TNO)

Jan Post (Philips / RU Groningen) – Chairman of the Day

Prof. dr. ing. Jan Post is working at Philips in Drachten, responsible for theme IV (User-phase) in the program “Groeien in Groen Staal” and Professor of Digital Fabrication at University of Groningen.

He will be chairing this thematic meeting on the twin transition in sustainable shipbuilding.

Hans van der Weijde (Tata Steel) – NGF Program Groeien met Groen Staal

Dr. ir. Hans van der Weijde is Director Strategy, Programmes, and External collaborations at TataSteel Nederland R&D. He is also Program Sponsor for the Groeien met Groen Staal Program.

In his plenary presentation he will be talking about the ongoing research and developments in the NGF research program Growth with Green Steel (Groeien met Groen Staal).

Boriana Rukanova (TU Delft) – DPP- The Battery Passport Trial

Boriana Rukanova is a senior researcher at Delft University of Technology. Her research interests include Digital Product Passport, initiation and upscaling of digital trade infrastructures, and business-government information sharing.

In her plenary presentation she will be introducing digital product passports and their use in a battery passport trial.

Mic Barendsz (BmS) – Chair Break-out Session: Production and processing of green steel

Mic Barendsz is Project Manager at Bouwen met Staal. He will be chairing the thematic breakout session on Production and processing of green steel.

Venue

Lokaal 55

Oude Opperhuizerweg 55

8606 JB Sneek

Lokaal 55

Contact

For more information, contact us at office[at]m2i.nl.