To speed up the transition to fossil-free fuels in the
transport sector, Stena Line, Volvo Group, Scania, and the Port of Gothenburg
have joined forces to bring about a significant reduction in carbon emissions
linked to the largest port in Scandinavia. The aim is to cut emissions by 70
percent by 2030, including a commitment from Stena to proceed with an
all-electric ferry.
Named the “Tranzero Initiative,” the initiative includes the
electrification of sea transport as one of its goals. The focus is also on the
one million truck transports and the 55,000 tons of carbon emissions generated
from road transports to and from the Port of Gothenburg each year.
“No single organization or individual holds the key to
meeting the challenges ahead of us,” said Elvir Dzanic, Gothenburg Port
Authority chief executive. “Collaboration is crucial and we are pleased to
bring on board two of the world’s largest truck manufacturers and the world’s
largest ferry company. With our collective expertise, breadth, and market
presence we can make a real difference.”
The project is commencing with a “needs analysis,” and
mapping of freight flows in and around the port to aid with establishing a
fossil-free fuel infrastructure. The companies joining the initiative have each
committed to introduce a series of interlinked measures designed to accelerate
the switch to fossil-free fuels.
As the largest ferry operator, Stena Line will play a key
role by introducing new fossil-free vessels into service on the
Gothenburg-Frederikshavn route by 2030. Stena had previously discussed the
concept of a battery-powered ferry. At the time they said the project still
faced hurdles to become profitable. Stena has now committed to proceeding with
the vessel.
“We are now transforming Stena Elektra from a vision to a
commercially viable vessel,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line Group.
“Within a year we plan to present the outline specifications and by the latest
of 2025, we plan to order the first vessel. This will be a quantum leap in
short-sea shipping and a huge step towards fossil-free shipping.”
Stena had previously said that with the rapid increase of
capacity and descending prices of batteries, they believed it was only a matter
of time until the Stena Elektra would be economically viable. Deputy Technical
Manager of Stena Teknik Henrik Nordhammar discussed the concept highlighting
that by removing the fuel engines, they also gained the space required for fuel
tanks, piping, purifiers, heaters, and exhaust gas systems. However, he noted
another challenge would be how to recharge the batteries with 50 MWh of
electricity during the 90 minutes in port.
As part of the overall project, the Gothenburg Port
Authority will produce the necessary infrastructure and access to fossil-free
fuels for heavy vehicles, including electric power, HVO, biogas, and hydrogen
gas. Volvo and Scania will put commercial offerings in place for their heavy
truck customers, ensuring that in time land transport becomes fossil-free
following the goals laid down by the port.