Powering Baltic’s Maritime and Multimodal Transport Networks

The project’s primary technical objective was to support the deployment of green infrastructure and alternative fuels across the Baltic Sea region. By focusing on specific pilot cases—ranging from onshore power supply (OPS) implementation to the electrification of inland waterways and terminal equipment—the project developed feasibility studies, technical roadmaps, and operational strategies to drive the modal shift from road to sea and rail while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Rail Ferry Challenge

The Rostock–Trelleborg link, part of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean TEN-T Core Corridor, was analyzed to enhance the resilience and sustainability of combined transport. To address the challenge of aging vessels (26–28 years old) and capacity constraints, the operator Stena Line implemented technical retrofits, including silicone hull coatings and upgraded propellers. A structured Stakeholder Engagement Plan was developed to secure the long-term viability of this connection, emphasizing a "two-corridor strategy" for civil and military mobility.

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OPS in Skagen

The system was specifically designed for pelagic fishing vessels, which require continuous energy for pumping and cooling during unloading operations lasting 10 to 30 hours,. The system features a 1.5 MW capacity with an output of 850kW through three 350A cable connections, housed in a flexible 10-foot container. It supports variable voltage (400V–690V) and frequency (50Hz–60Hz) conversion to ensure compatibility with diverse vessel fleets. To facilitate connectivity, a semi-automated cable management system extending 45 meters was installed at the FF Skagen and Scandic Pelagic landing sites. The system was successfully tested in May 2025 with the vessel HM379 Lingbank, validating the capability of high-capacity shore power to replace diesel auxiliary engines.

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Retrofitting cranes at the GCT

A feasibility study conducted with the Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT) analyzed the transition of seven Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes from diesel to electric propulsion (eRTG). The technical solution involves retrofitting 41-tonne capacity E-One2 Zero Emission RTGs with a cable reel system operating on a 15 kV power supply. Operational data indicates that an eRTG consumes approximately 45 kWh per hour compared to 14.16 liters of fuel per hour for a diesel unit, resulting in a 50% reduction in power costs starting from 2027.

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Green Bunkering Strategy

Partners from the Umeå region developed a roadmap to establish a production hub for green hydrogen-based fuels, aiming for climate neutrality by 2040. The technical strategy centers on the Dåva Eco-Industrial Park, which utilizes local renewable electricity and biogenic CO2 to produce up to 110,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually. The infrastructure plan integrates thermal efficiency by connecting electrolysis by-products to the district's heating grid and upgrading seaport facilities for ammonia-compatible fueling and shore power. The roadmap identifies the necessity of a diverse fuel mix—including hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia—to meet the varying energy densities required by different vessel types.

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Emission-Free Inland Waterways

This pilot focused on electrifying the E41 inland waterway (Nemunas River) between Klaipėda and Kaunas using electric pusher-barge convoys. Initial hydrodynamic analysis revealed that upstream travel against currents of 1 m/s required impractical energy storage (8–12 battery containers of 2.7 MWh each). Through optimization, including reducing speed to 8 km/h and utilizing narrower barges to decrease resistance, energy requirements were lowered to 13 MWh, reducing the required battery load to three containers with an intermediate swap at Jurbarkas,.

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From theory to practical application

The Blue Supply Chains project has successfully transitioned from theoretical frameworks to tangible technical specifications for maritime decarbonization. By validating specific technologies, the initiative provides a replicable blueprint for ports aiming to meet EU Fit for 55 and TEN-T requirements.