Main findings
Below are nine key points summarizing the main findings of the collaborative project "Sustainable and Smart Ports of the Future" involving the Port of Gothenburg, Stena Line Scandinavia, Scania CV, Volvo Technology, and Lindholmen Science Park. Where the project has identified solutions and needs across different domains—land transport, port terminals, and sea transport—with the overarching goal of reducing emissions from the maritime and transport sectors while simultaneously improving the efficiency of goods transport.
- Shipping is an energy-efficient way of transporting goods. Despite this, the maritime sector still contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This underscores the imperative for climate action within both ports and the maritime industry.
- Examining emissions from transport activities associated with ports, covering both maritime and hinterland transport, reveals that around 70% of the emissions originate from maritime activities. Achieving a substantial reduction in emissions from the maritime sector necessitates a swift adoption of renewable fuels.
- Currently, the majority of vessels rely on fossil-based fuels. When at berth, most vessels are compelled to use engines rather than connecting to onshore power supplies. Terminal equipment predominantly operates on fossil fuels, as do trucks serving the hinterland transport. The level of digitalization, data sharing, and automation in this context is relatively low. As a result, there exists a significant gap between the present situation and the vision of a sustainable and smart port in the future.
- A global overview reveals numerous ports and shipping lines with ambitious sustainability goals. The Port of Oslo stands out with the most ambitious mission, targeting a 95% reduction in carbon emissions and achieving zero emissions at the port by 2030. Leading shipping lines are also making significant commitments, with Danish companies Maersk aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040, and DFDS setting a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030.
- The report highlights a large number of solutions aimed at reducing emissions from transport activities linked to ports. Clearly, as many of these solutions are already available on the market and operational today, indicate the potential for substantial short-term improvements. Technological advancements are being adopted by frontrunners globally, signifying that technical readiness is not a major constraint. The key challenge moving forward is to scale up the utilization of these existing solutions.
- The IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has – specifically for this project – conducted calculations of emissions for four different illustrative transport chains. These examples clearly show that there is significant potential to reduce GHG emissions from freight transport! By the installation of onshore power supply and electrification of trucks, reductions of in average 15-25 % are possible, depending on the source of energy. By introducing alternative fuels for the vessels, GHG emissions can be reduced significantly. For e-methanol produced using hydroelectricity, emissions may be reduced by 99,9 %. Using liquified biogas sourced from manure involves negative emissions of GHG and give reductions of more than 100 % of total emission from the transport chain. The examples clearly point out the need of using fossil-free energy sources and that uptake of alternative maritime fuel is key to reduce GHG emissions for the entire transport chain.
- To accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and smarter ports collaboration among stakeholders along the logistics value chain will be crucial. No single port or shipping line can overcome the challenges on their own. Drawing parallels to other industries, it is expected that frontrunners and pioneers in the port and shipping sectors will take the lead. Committed collaboration between like-minded partners, sharing common ambitions, can further bolster these efforts. Given the international scope of port and maritime operations, ports, shipping lines, and terminal operators are urged to share experiences and learn from one another to accelerate the adoption.
- Clearly, the transition will require substantial investments, examples include initiating and expanding the production and supply of alternative maritime fuels, to get vessels ready for new fuels, to get onshore power in place, to electrify port terminal equipment and transitioning heavy-duty road transport to electric power. Furthermore, digitalization and data sharing can enhance the efficiency of the logistics chain, leading to cost reduction and decreased energy demand.
- The investments and increased operational costs associated with the transition are likely to result in higher transportation expenses. Government and EU-level incentives and support will play a crucial role, covering both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenditures (OPEX), particularly in the initial phases of the transition. Additionally, transport buyers, cargo owners, and end-consumers will most likely be prepared to pay a premium for having the goods transported in a sustainable logistics chain.
