Brost-Ruhr Award 2025 Recognizes Leading Port Executives Markus Bangen and Boudewijn Siemons
The Brost Foundation has announced that Markus Bangen, Chairman of Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport), and Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, will be honored with the Brost-Ruhr Award 2025. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to European logistics and their collaborative efforts in strengthening the partnership between two of the continent's most influential ports: Duisburg and Rotterdam.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Erich Brost Pavilion, Zeche Zollverein in Essen, with the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, delivering the keynote address. The event aims to underscore the crucial role these two ports play in the economic integration and goods movement across Europe, providing a vital link between the Ruhr region and global trade networks.
Duisburg is recognized as the largest inland port worldwide, while Rotterdam holds the status of the largest seaport in Europe. Together, they form a critical logistical corridor, facilitating the seamless flow of goods and resources. Their collaboration is widely seen as a model for cross-border cooperation and economic synergy, illustrating how interconnected infrastructure can enhance regional and international competitiveness.
The Brost Foundation's decision to honor both executives is based on their leadership in fostering a relationship built on mutual trust and shared objectives, moving beyond traditional competition. The partnership between Duisburg and Rotterdam demonstrates a commitment to innovation and efficiency in freight movement, reinforcing the Ruhr area's significance in the broader European economy.
However, the foundation also points to existing infrastructure challenges, particularly the incomplete Betuwe railway line, which is intended to better connect Rotterdam with the Ruhr region. This project has faced delays attributed to administrative hurdles, highlighting the need for supportive political frameworks to match the ambition of the ports' operational collaboration.
The Brost-Ruhr Award, established in 2020, is presented annually to individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the Ruhr region or have helped to promote its interests beyond local borders. The award brings attention to innovative projects and initiatives, aiming to raise public awareness about the region's economic and social potential.
Previous recipients of the Brost-Ruhr Award include prominent figures from politics, media, healthcare, and the arts, reflecting the diverse ways in which the Ruhr region is being shaped and strengthened. The Brost Foundation, founded in 2011 in accordance with the wishes of Anneliese Brost, supports initiatives across culture, education, health, youth and elderly care, and social welfare, with a distinct focus on enhancing the Ruhr area's societal cohesion and influence.
This year's award not only celebrates individual achievement but also serves as a testament to the enduring value of cross-border cooperation in driving economic growth and regional development. By spotlighting the leadership of Bangen and Siemons, the foundation emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in maintaining Europe's competitiveness in the global logistics sector.
The Brost Foundation remains committed to promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration, with the aim of delivering long-term benefits to the Ruhr region and beyond.