A Dutch BV for the Rotterdam Hydrogen and Energy Corridor

Rotterdam is the port of entry for hydrogen, ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil products into Northwest Europe. The pipelines to the Ruhr area also start here. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman are building export capacity for this corridor. Several parties in Rotterdam are working on import terminals for hydrogen, and the Port of Rotterdam expects the terminal capacity for green hydrogen to grow in the coming years. Many suppliers to this chain are setting up their European company now, while the contracts are being written.

These suppliers work in electrolysis and compression technology, engineering and inspection, storage and logistics, or trading and blending. They come from the Gulf, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom or further away. If you trade large volumes of the molecules themselves, your law firm usually arranges the company. If you sell products or services into the chain, a Dutch BV is the company you need.

Why the counterparty wants a Dutch company

Port authorities, terminal operators, grid companies and the large energy groups sign contracts with EU companies. They have three practical reasons. The first is liability and insurance under Dutch law. The second is VAT and customs, which they want arranged by a company registered in the EU. The third is the obligation under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). From 2026, this obligation is on the EU importer of hydrogen and ammonia. A Dutch BV meets all three needs. A notary can set it up, usually within one week once all documents are complete.

Hydrogen in Rotterdam and the Dutch tax package for 2027

The Port of Rotterdam reports that Hynetwork builds the hydrogen network in phases, and the first section in Rotterdam is expected to operate in 2026. The Dutch 2027 tax package of 15 September 2026 is expected to end the dispensation rights (DPR's) for renewable hydrogen production. The government is then expected to spend its hydrogen support on auctions such as H2Global and on the supply chain around the import terminals. If you supply equipment, storage, engineering or logistics, set up your Dutch company before the terminal operators and the network builder open their tenders.

The facts, updated 2 September 2026

Who is setting up, and what they need

Technology suppliers (electrolysers, compressors, cracking, measurement): a BV to sign supply and service contracts, employ field engineers under Dutch law and reclaim Dutch VAT. Often a subsidiary of a German, Spanish or Gulf parent.

Engineering and inspection firms: a BV that can be named in the tender and have professional liability insurance in the Netherlands.

Storage, logistics and shipping agents: a BV with EORI and Article 23, and a registered address in the port region.

Traders and blenders: a Dutch trading entity that buys at origin and sells delivered in Europe. See the commodity trading entity for the margin and trade-finance side.

Gulf-based groups: you can read about the steps from the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Oman on setting up a Dutch BV from the Gulf. The steps include legalisation and opening the bank account.

Importing hydrogen or ammonia? See hydrogen and ammonia imports into the EU: CBAM from the first kilogram for hydrogen, the certification of renewable hydrogen (RFNBO) and the tasks of your importer.

Suppliers with their own plant or research team in the Netherlands can apply for the EU Innovation Fund, the SDE++ or the WBSO: see subsidies for energy and industry projects.

Timing

The import terminals in Rotterdam are delayed, and the first large volumes are expected between 2028 and 2030. Framework agreements, pre-qualification and tenders take place two to three years before the first delivery. A company that already exists, with a VAT number and a Dutch address, can be named in them. Set up the company before these procedures start.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need staff in the Netherlands?

You can incorporate before you hire any staff. For tax residency and for the bank, the main test is real management in the Netherlands. The number of staff is less important. Many suppliers start with a Dutch director and a registered address. They hire field staff after they sign the first contract.

Can the BV import ammonia under CBAM?

Yes, once it has the status of authorised CBAM declarant. The BV files one CBAM declaration a year and surrenders the certificates for the imports of the year before. The customs broker arranges the customs formalities at the border.

Subsidiary or holding?

Choose a subsidiary if your parent company owns it. Choose a Dutch holding above the operating BV if the founders own it privately. The holding then receives the profits and the proceeds of a future sale free of Dutch tax.