We want to be part of sustainable change’ in Port News 30/04/2026 For Arno Storm, sustainability is not an abstract concept or a buzzword but a personal conviction. As CEO of Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST), he continuously considers what he can do within his sphere of influence to contribute to a better world. Storm does not believe in embracing the energy transition solely because it is legally required. According to him, sustainability begins with the will to lead the way and set a good example. ‘As a father and stepfather of eight children, I want to leave a liveable future for the next generations. I feel personally responsible for this and wherever possible, I seek to initiate positive change myself.’ With this mindset, he has been actively promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) within RST since taking office as CEO in August 2021. This is now structurally embedded in business operations. The results are tangible. In addition to the installation of a shore power system, investments have been made, in collaboration with client Samskip, in solar panels and the switch to fossil-free fuel (HVO 100). The terminal is entirely gas-free and runs exclusively on certified green electricity, purchased directly from a Dutch solar park. From ambition to impact RST is the largest hub in Europe for short sea shipping with a throughput capacity of approximately 800,000 containers a year. While CO₂ emissions per container amounted to 21.5 kilos in 2020, they have now been reduced to just 600 grams. ‘We are proud of what we have achieved in a relatively short time’, says Storm. ‘The topic resonates strongly within the organisation; everyone is contributing ideas on how we can make the world that bit better.’ New projects are already in the pipeline: the expansion of shore power, further electrification of equipment, a charging station for electric trucks and a hydrogen pilot in collaboration with partners. ‘Our primary focus is not always on the business case, but rather exploring the transition. We want to be part of the solution. Our location, where various modes of transport converge, offers opportunities to develop initiatives that add value for everyone, with sustainability as the starting point.’ As a father and stepfather of eight children, I want to leave a liveable future for the next generations. I feel personally responsible for this and wherever possible, I seek to initiate positive change myself.’ Creating value In discussions with the private equity shareholder, hard figures and return on investment are addressed first. However, RST’s management also consistently emphasises the importance of the ‘softer aspects’ of entrepreneurship. ‘Sustainability is essential to our competitive position’, explains Storm. ‘Multimodal transport and short-sea transport are significantly more sustainable. More and more shippers consider it important that their freight is transported in an environmentally responsible manner. Sustainability creates value and also translates into tangible business outcomes in the long term: we see that clients are increasingly choosing supply chains with a lower CO₂ footprint. This leads to stronger customer loyalty, new volumes and a structural competitive advantage. In addition, it opens the door to new collaborations and financing opportunities and helps mitigate future costs resulting from stricter regulations and CO₂ pricing.’ Marc Nolte The human being as the pivot However, for Storm, sustainable business