Blue Supply Chains

Towards fossil-free shipping via hydrogen and electricity

Shipping is facing a major transition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Blue Supply Chains is investigating how Swedish ports can offer fossil-free bunkering fuels and electric charging, as well as what conditions are required for green hydrogen in Sweden. The project links two areas: shipping's climate transition and sustainable energy systems.

Two parts of the project

Knowledge base: current situation and future of bunkering and loading in Sweden – requirements, actors and the roles of ports.
Hydrogen feasibility study: examines the possibilities of introducing hydrogen as a ship fuel and produces decision-making data.

At the same time, a national strategy for bunkering and charging in ports is being analyzed. The focus is on hydrogen and electricity, but methanol and ammonia are also being studied. Many ports are planning expanded shore power, and electrification may be suitable for smaller ships.

Umeå in the center

The project studies the market potential, business opportunities, costs, benefits and environmental impacts of green methanol production in Umeå and Sweden. The Swedish part is led by IVL Swedish Environmental Institute together with CLOSER at Lindholmen, Umeå Energi, Umeå Port, Umeå Municipality, Kvarken Ports and INAB.

Blue Supply Chains is funded by Interreg Baltic Sea Region, with Swedish co-financing from the Swedish Transport Administration and SIVL. The international project is led by the Port of Hamburg and covers all Baltic Sea countries except Russia.

A new report from the project highlights drivers, barriers and the role of ports in enabling low-emission and renewable marine fuels, including overviews of alternative fuels, shore power and battery charging.

Reports:

Broschure (EN) - Decarbonizing maritime transport-A roadmap for sustainable portsPdf, 6 MB. External link.

Report (EN) - Roadmap of local green hydrogen-based fuels in the Umeå RegionPdf, 8 MB. External link.

Report (EN) - Role of Port Authorities in green energy supply for transports chains External link.

Partners

The project, which is a feasibility study, includes all countries around the Baltic Sea except Russia, all of which have a desire to develop fossil-free maritime transport and integration with land transport via efficient port terminals.

The international part of the project is led by Hafen Hamburg in Germany. In Sweden, the project is led by IVL Swedish Environmental Institute where INAB, Umeå Energi, Umeå Municipality, Kvarken Ports and Closer Lindholmen are part of the project group. The Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Maritime Administration provide knowledge and expertise.

Blue Supply Chains is implemented with funding from the EU initiative Interreg Baltic Sea Region. The Swedish part of the project also has funding from the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Institute for Water and Air Quality Research (SIVL).