We Research: The opportunities and future prospects of alternative fuels in maritime logistics in Satakunta
Maritime logistics and the companies involved within it, much like other industries, are at a turning point. Climate change, along with various goals aimed at mitigating it, puts pressure on these companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and shift their operations towards a green transition.
In this changing operational landscape, an essential factor is the replacement of traditional fossil fuels with new alternative fuels. The adoption of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, biogas, and biodiesel in maritime logistics, as well in other industries, could significantly impact the carbon footprint of companies while simultaneously supporting sustainability goals, national preparedness, and green development throughout the entire region of Satakunta.
At Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), as part of the UUPO project, knowledge about alternative fuels among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within maritime logistics in Satakunta has been surveyed since 2022. In addition to this, research on different alternative fuels has been conducted, addressing various themes such as their opportunities, strengths, the threats they pose, and technological maturities.
The knowledge of SMEs has been surveyed through interviews, with the aim of trying to understand the future perspectives and needs of various stakeholders, such as ports, shipbuilders, and energy companies, concerning electricity and energy production. The research on alternative fuels has been conducted in the form of a literature review, considering the technical, environmental, economic, and social perspectives.
The collected data from the project will be compiled into an open, web-based information package for the benefit of the maritime logistics sector in Satakunta, as well as other SMEs. The aim of the information package is to increase awareness and knowledge about alternative fuels and support the green transition. A secondary goal of the UUPO project is to also increase the collaboration of different companies, enabling a faster transition to the adoption of alternative fuels in the region.
Did you know this?
- At the Maritime Logistics Research Center of SAMK, there have already been several projects related to various themes of green growth and sustainability. However, the UUPO project is the first project dedicated to alternative fuels.
- A thesis was also written in 2023 as part of the UUPO project, which provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and usage of certain alternative fuels in maritime logistics.
- Many of the new alternative fuels require a substantial amount of electricity during the manufacturing process, which means that the increase of green electricity production is also crucial for alternative fuels.
- The infrastructure for alternative fuels in the vicinity or at port areas could facilitate the adoption of these fuels in both land and maritime logistics.