The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €200 million German measure to support Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG („NPorts“) in the construction of four new berths in the port of Cuxhaven.
The project will strengthen Cuxhaven as an offshore industrial hub by improving infrastructure for the turnover of heavy-duty load, in particular wind farm components. The measure will also help Germany reach its renewable energy targets while increasing security of energy supply.
Under the measure, the aid will take the form of a €200 million grant to NPorts, the state-owned port authority. NPorts“ contribution will amount to €100 million. The investment is estimated to total €300 million. The terminal is expected to start operating in 2028 for a period of 30 years.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)© of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate to develop offshore wind projects which bring economic, environmental and energy security benefits. Furthermore, the Commission found that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States.
On this basis, the Commission approved the German measure under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under number SA.113780 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
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