Could hydrogen be the future of marine fuel?

Shipping faces the major challenge of significantly reducing the industry's greenhouse gas emissions. The Blue Supply Chains project investigates the possibility of offering fossil-free bunker fuels and electric charging in Swedish ports and studies the conditions for green hydrogen production in Sweden.

Freight transport between Europe and the rest of the world and transport to and from Sweden within Europe is largely carried out by sea. Almost all ships are fuelled by fossil fuels, and although more significant and more energy-efficient ships can reduce emissions, global freight demand is increasing.

If Sweden is to succeed in achieving the goals of fossil-free transport, new ship fuels are required. The industry is also facing increased regulation and higher environmental and climate requirements. Fossil-free fuels will be a crucial issue. Blue Supply Chains links two important research areas: the climate transition of shipping and sustainable energy systems.

The project consists of two parts:

• A knowledge-building study investigating current and future ship bunkering in Sweden and what is required for loading and bunkering of fossil-free fuels.
• An investigation into the possibility of introducing hydrogen as a fuel for shipping. The aim is to provide a basis for decisions on further work.

Swedish strategy for bunkering and recharging in ports

The project examines what a future energy system for shipping could look like, considering bunkering needs, vessel types, trade patterns, connections to ports and connections to the land-based transport infrastructure. The focus is on hydrogen and electricity, but other fuels, such as methanol and ammonia, are also being explored.

Many ports are planning to expand shore-side electricity. Connecting ships at berth to the local electricity grid reduces emissions. Electrification may also be suitable for powering smaller vessels, which places additional demands on good availability of energy and power in the port.

Production of hydrogen as ship fuel in Umeå

Hydrogen is a suitable fuel for larger ships and long-distance transport. Blue Supply Chains will study the market potential, business opportunities, costs, benefits and environmental aspects of green hydrogen production in Umeå and Sweden.

Umeå is at the centre of the Swedish part of the EU project, which is led by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. The project team also includes project manager Closer Lindholmen, as well as Umeå Energi, Umeå Hamn, Umeå municipality, Kvarken Ports and INAB.

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 Pollution Research (SIVL).

The project covers all Baltic Sea countries except Russia. The international project is led by the Port of Hamburg in Germany.

Study on present and future marine fuels

What are the essential driving forces and enablers for developing low-carbon and renewable marine fuels? What is required for ports to offer such fuels and electrical solutions, and what actors play a crucial role in shipping's climate transition? A new report from Blue Supply Chains addresses these key questions, providing insights that will prepare the industry for the
transition.

The report, Role of Port Authorities in green energy supply for transports chains, is a knowledge-building study that examines the current and future situation of production and demand for renewable ship fuels and ship charging in Sweden.

It includes developing a green bunkering and charging strategy for ports and providing a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels, shore power, and battery charging opportunities in Swedish ports. Biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, electric batteries, and wind propulsion are included.

Read more about the report: Towards green bunkering and charging in ports External link, opens in new window..
Download the report: Role of Port Authorities in green energy supply for transports chains External link..