Hydrogen-Powered Transformation of Conventional Ports in Europe and the Mediterranean

European and Mediterranean ports are undergoing a structural transformation as they shift from fossil-fueled operations to low-carbon energy hubs powered by green hydrogen. This paper aims to present the National Project H-PORT and it explores how hydrogen is being deployed across a range of port types - from industrial megaports like Rotterdam and Antwerp to regional innovators such as Port-La Nouvelle. Through a comparative analysis of recent pilot projects and infrastructure plans, the paper highlights how ports are integrating hydrogen technologies including electrolyzers, fuel cell vehicles, ammonia import terminals, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The study identifies key enabling conditions such as repurposing of existing gas infrastructure, public-private governance models, and EU-level support (e.g., IPCEI, AFIR). It also outlines technical and regulatory challenges, including safety certification, energy demand alignment, and economic viability. Case studies such as Hydrotug 1 (Antwerp), H2Ports (Valencia), and the Moorburg plant conversion (Hamburg) illustrate different pathways toward port decarbonization. The paper concludes by assessing the replicability of these initiatives in other ports, emphasizing hydrogen's role in shaping ports as multi-energy ecosystems. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how maritime logistics nodes can serve as strategic accelerators in the European hydrogen transition.