The RH2INE-interview: Port of Switzerland

On a sunny Thursday afternoon, I meet Martina Heer in the virtual meeting room of my Teams app. It’s a beautiful spring day - perfect for interviewing the ‘Project Manager Green Port’ of the Port of Switzerland in Basel, and one of the youngest steering members in the RH2INE network. In this conversation, we explore the port’s role within our network, as well as their other hydrogen initiatives. One thing is already clear: Basel is buzzing.

Thanks for meeting me on this beautiful day, Martina! Can you introduce yourself to the RH2INE-network?

I work for the Port of Switzerland as the Project Manager Green Port. In this role, I’m responsible for everything related to sustainability - which turns out to be quite a broad and diverse field. My work ranges from international collaborations on hydrogen, like the RH2INE initiative, to more local, port-specific environmental topics. I also work closely with companies operating in and around the port to develop and implement sustainability measures.

But sustainability doesn’t stop at strategy and infrastructure - it also touches daily life. For example, I recently managed to get oat milk stocked in the office fridge. That small change was actually really appreciated by many of my colleagues. I also support other small but meaningful steps, like offering organic tea and taking care of our valuable nature conservation areas to boost biodiversity. It’s this wide range of topics - from international hydrogen networks to what’s in our cafeteria fridge - that makes my job so interesting and fulfilling.

Now that we know your role; What Role does the Port of Basel currently play within the RH2INE network?

We joined the RH2INE network in October 2024 - so it's still quite a recent development for us. We strive to take on an active role as steering member, because we believe RH2INE is  essential to support the decarbonisation of transport along the entire Rhine corridor—from Rotterdam all the way to Basel, and further into the hinterland.

As a national logistics hub, Basel represents either the starting point or the final destination of inland shipping along the Rhine. We’re very aware of the strategic importance of our location, and we take that responsibility seriously. That’s why we’re investing a lot of energy into helping shape the hydrogen infrastructure.

But it's not just about infrastructure; it's also about fostering cooperation. We see it as our role to actively connect different actors: ports, the private sector, and even regional and national governments. That collaborative spirit is really at the heart of what RH2INE stands for, and we’re proud to contribute to that effort.

It’s indeed not just about infrastructure! However, I reckon our readers will also be interested in hearing more about Hydrogen Infrastructure and innovation. What other hydrogen developments and initiatives are currently being deployed in your region?

One of the initiatives we’re actively involved in is the H2 Hub Switzerland, which is an association aimed at developing green hydrogen in cooperation with the energy sector and local industry. This collaboration is crucial, especially because we’re situated in a highly strategic location—right on Europe’s central freight corridor—making us a natural cluster for hydrogen-related developments.

Another concrete step is the enabeling of the development of a 15-megawatt electrolyzer facility right in our port area, specifically in Birsfelden, which is one of our three port locations in Basel. This plant will produce green hydrogen to support the decarbonisation of the regional industry, which is heavily energy-dependent. But it doesn’t stop there: since the hydrogen is being produced directly within the port, we’re also exploring the idea of using tank tainers to supply inland vessels. And of course, the RH2INE-initiatives are more than helpful in that perspective.