Passenger and vehicle carriers good starting points for green corridors at Baltic Sea

The study has a holistic value-chain approach and based on the current regional maritime activity, vessels, and voyage patterns, subsequently addresses alternative fuel production, and supply, port readiness to cater vessels operating on alternative fuels, and the outlook on cost of emissions reduction and cost to end-customers.

The project concludes that advantageous starting points for green corridors in the region could be ferry lines, passenger and vehicle carriers in line operation while ports servicing these segments in combination with container feeder operation could be good starting point to build an infrastructure for supply of alternative fuels for shipping.

Ferry lines, passenger and vehicle carriers in line operation can ensure a baseline demand of alternative fuel, while the feeder operation can support it scaling.

Alternative fuel supply is unique for the region, since the outlook shows that all considered fuels will be produced within the region and the region is in the forefront of establishing such production facilities, which can support the early adaption by the maritime sector in the region and thereby its decarbonization

the partners said.

Ultimately, the project outlines recommendation to all stakeholders playing a role in progressing green corridors, and particularly the emphasis on the holistic value-chain approach is shown critical at an incubation workshop, i.e., to bring together and mobilize committed first movers from all parts of the value-chain to jointly settle coherent value-chains for a dedicated green corridor – an activity which can be catalyzed by ports.

Recommendations

#1 Ports

• Use port readiness assessment to enable green projects and corridors.
• Act as a catalyst between fuel producers, shipping companies, and cargo owners to realize green corridors.
• Knowledge share with other ports to solve challenges, identify opportunities, and develop common safety procedures.
• Consider providing discounts as incentives for using green fuels by first movers.
• Recognize that readiness for new fuels early can be turned into a competitive advantage that could provide growth opportunities.

#2 Shipping companies

• Aim to find key customers who has a pledge to decarbonize their transport and may be willing to pay for green transport.
• Investigate options with other stakeholders, including ports and fuel producers.
• Use feasibility studies to find the best technical solutions for specific routes.
• If relying on electricity to decarbonize, consider where to will get the green energy from.

#3 Fuel producers

• Communicate with stakeholders, including ports and shipping companies, to identify alternative fuel demand.
• Consider providing fuel discounts as incentives for using green fuels by first movers.
• Clearly communicate production outlook and delivery of alternative fuels.

#4 Customers/consumers

• Voice your willingness to pay for green transportation, and the value of decarbonized transport.

#5 Municipalities/Local authorities

• Build your awareness of different kinds of fuels, how to handle them, to prepare the social readiness and acceptance.
• Facilitate projects aiming to bring new fuels to ports.
• Recognize that readiness for new fuels early can be turned into a competitive advantage that could provide growth opportunities in the local region.

#6 Regulatory

• Provide clear regulation for using alternative fuels, so implementation isn’t overcomplicated.
• Develop regulation that provides financial incentive to decarbonize and rewards first movers.

#7 Politicians

• Develop support schemes and provide funding for first movers.
• Support green corridor projects to prove they are possible, then push for regulation to encourage alternative fuel adoption.

EXPLORE MORE AT the REPORT ON baltic sea Green Corridors