Ports have been pivotal to economic and social development since the inception of maritime trade, standing as essential strategic infrastructures. However, they also contribute to pollutant emissions through freight traffic and port activities. With the European Union's ambitious climate change targets, ports must now be seen as valuable assets in the transition to zero-emission operations and green fuels.

The ideal Partnership

To aid port authorities and operators in decarbonizing their operations, the Blue Supply Chains project was launched in December 2023. Over 20 core partners committed to this mission, aiming to make significant strides in reducing emissions across the Baltic Sea Region.

In order to succeed in this endeavour, the Blue Supply Chains project has been divided into different pilot actions, developed parallelly by partners from eight European countries. Each one of them is a complex undertaking in itself and it is only thanks to the engagement and professionalism of the partners involved, that we are able to run them alongside each other.

Meet the crew

Team Rail Ferry: Consisting of Ports of Rostock and Trelleborg and Stena Line, working on improving the (highly rare) rail ferry service between the two ports. Currently deep in capacity studies and data analysis, exploring the future potential of rail ferry connections.

Special shoutout to Team Online Booking: Comprising Modility and Stena Line, in support of Team Rail Ferry, working on integrating the connection into Modility's online booking platform.

Team Green Energy: This team includes Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (LIWA), Klaipeda Science and Technology Park (KTSP), the Port and City of Umea, Umea Energy, Infrastructure in Umeå AB (INAB), Lindholmen Science Park AB and Swedish Environmental Institute (IVL). Their mission is twofold: developing a national strategy for the production, loading, and bunkering of fossil-free fuels, and establishing the first green internal waterway transport corridor in Europe on the Neman River, between Klaipeda and Kaunas. Central to this initiative is the development of an electric tugboat, with technical specifications already available. They are working on ensuring the tugboat has sufficient power while also creating a roadmap for providing green energy to transport chains that start and end in ports.

Team High Voltage: consisting of the Port of Skagen, Gdynia Container Terminal and the University of Gdańsk, examining options for cutting GHG emissions from port operations by means of electrification. Skagen plans to make use of on-shore power supply systems (OPS), with the tender process completed. Gdynia is exploring options for the retrofitting of their RTG cranes.

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