As policy advisors, we don't get asked to write a column that often - a shame really, because it is fun to tell what we do! We work for the province of North Holland, and both work, together with many others, on the future of the airport.
The province is not responsible for the airport. Yet Den Helder, with its port and airport, is very important to the province. We are partners in the Maritime Cluster with the municipality and Defence, because stimulating developments in this area benefits the whole of North Holland North. Economically, spatially and socially – and that is how we are also working on Den Helder as a home port. Now and in the future, we see a strong position for Den Helder in contributing to our national security and in supporting the energy transition.
Which future activities at Den Helder Airport strengthen the strength of the region? We ask ourselves that question regularly. This applies, for example, to maritime logistics with drones and everything that has to do with the safety of the critical infrastructure in the North Sea. This is linked to the collaboration with Defence and the Coastguard, which makes this location so unique. But of course, the maintenance of the energy parks at sea can and must also land in Den Helder Airport and in the Port of Den Helder in the future. The airport and the port are inextricably linked for these three subjects.
How wonderful would it be if an innovative learning and working centre of size were to be created around the airport and seaport! We are also actively working on this from the province and are seeking cooperation with Defence and knowledge institutions. This is with the KIM, but now also -exploratory- with ODIN (Orchestrating Defence Innovation). The civil-military airport at Den Helder offers a unique location for experimenting; especially with maritime aviation applications.
There are clearly opportunities for aviation in Den Helder. Sometimes we explore these individually, often we work together. For example, recently with the Horizon proposal for charging infrastructure at the airport, which was written with the cooperation of the municipality of Den Helder, Den Helder Airport, the province and innovative SME companies. We strengthen each other where possible to optimally utilise the future opportunities that the unique airport infrastructure of Den Helder offers. And we do this with great pleasure and energy.
Mathea Mevissen and Richard Hermans – Province of North Holland
09-05-2025
