Norrbotten study highlights strong potential for green shipping fuels and port infrastructure development

The transition towards climate-neutral maritime transport in the Baltic Sea Region is gaining further momentum, with a new regional analysis from Northern Sweden highlighting significant potential for green shipping fuels and associated infrastructure development.

The study, led by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in collaboration with CLOSER, Port of Luleå, and associate partner LTU Business, provides a focused assessment of the Norrbotten region as an emerging node in the future fuel supply chain for shipping. The work complements the broader market analysis carried out within the H2Deri@BSP project, which examines the development of hydrogen derivatives and renewable fuels across the Baltic Sea Region.

Regional strengths and emerging opportunities

The analysis identifies Norrbotten as a strategically relevant region for the production and distribution of low-carbon fuels, supported by strong industrial development, access to renewable energy resources, and growing interest in large-scale decarbonisation of heavy transport and shipping.

Particular attention is given to the role of ports as future energy hubs, enabling the handling, storage, and distribution of renewable fuels such as hydrogen-based derivatives. The Port of Luleå is highlighted as a key actor in this emerging system, with potential to support future fuel logistics and bunkering activities linked to regional and international shipping routes.

Infrastructure readiness and system integration

The study further explores the infrastructure requirements needed to support the scaling of green shipping fuels. This includes considerations related to port development, energy system integration, and coordination between industrial actors, logistics providers, and public stakeholders.

Findings underline that while the region shows strong potential, coordinated planning and investment will be essential to move from opportunity to implementation. This includes aligning production capacities with transport demand and ensuring that port infrastructure is developed in parallel with fuel supply chains.

Contribution to H2Deri@BSP market analysis

The Norrbotten analysis provides a valuable regional perspective to the wider H2Deri@BSP market work, which examines the development of hydrogen derivatives and renewable fuels across the Baltic Sea Region.

By integrating regional case studies, the project aims to better understand how local conditions, industrial clusters, and port ecosystems influence future fuel demand and infrastructure requirements. This supports the development of scenario-based tools that help ports and stakeholders make more informed planning and investment decisions.

Collaboration across regions and sectors

The study demonstrates the importance of cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaboration in advancing maritime decarbonisation. The partnership between IVL, CLOSER, Port of Luleå, and LTU Business reflects the value of combining research expertise, port experience, and regional development perspectives.

This collaborative approach strengthens the evidence base for future planning and supports the broader ambition of H2Deri@BSP to enable practical, scalable pathways for hydrogen derivative deployment in Baltic Sea ports.

Outlook

As the maritime sector accelerates its transition towards climate neutrality, regional studies such as this provide critical insights into how emerging fuel systems can be developed in practice.

The findings from Norrbotten will contribute to ongoing work within H2Deri@BSP, supporting the development of market-based tools, infrastructure concepts, and regulatory frameworks that enable ports across the Baltic Sea Region to prepare for future fuel demand.

The full report is available here: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:2063587/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Programme Manual Online

Choose