FAEO - Energy Transition at Maritime and Ports

The European Commission's Directive 2006/32 and "Fit for 55" initiatives aim to promote energy efficiency and environmentally friendly fuels in the maritime sector. Norway's pioneering electric ferry experience serves as a model for Greece, which faces the challenge of transitioning its aging coastal ferry fleet to sustainable technologies like electric and hybrid vessels. Given Greece's geography, maritime transport is vital for economic and social cohesion, making this transition urgent.

The maritime industry is undergoing a shift toward sustainability, with methanol emerging as a viable alternative fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study explores the potential of small ports in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania as strategic nodes for methanol bunkering. By analyzing vessel movements, port infrastructure, and trade flows from 2014 to 2024, the research identifies opportunities for integrating methanol refueling within the regional maritime network. The study categorizes vessels based on size and type, focusing on general cargo ships, tankers, and bulk carriers, while excluding passenger and Ro-Ro vessels due to their distinct operational patterns. Consideration is given to Just-In-Time arrival principles, winter navigation challenges, and regulatory frameworks such as the IMO's decarbonization goals and the EU's Emissions Trading System. The findings highlight that small ports can play a complementary role in the transition to green shipping by providing decentralized refueling options for vessels operating in the Baltic region. The study contributes to discussions on alternative fuel adoption by offering insights into the feasibility of methanol bunkering and the strategic adaptation of small ports to emerging fuel demands.

The 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy aims for net-zero emissions from international shipping by around 2050, updating the 2018 Initial Strategy. The current study examines the implementation of the Strategy in the Mediterranean region considering the particular features of the region spanning 21 countries across three continents. The research focuses on assessing the strategy's implementation in the region, recommending regional policies, and identifying suitable GHG reduction measures. The Mediterranean's diverse political, economic, technological, social, and legal landscape creates a complex context for analysis. The study employs surveys and interviews with maritime stakeholders and regional experts to gather insights. This multi-criteria assessment addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the need to adapt international environmental initiatives to local conditions. The research aims to provide valuable information for industry actors and policymakers in the region, contributing to the development of effective strategies for reducing GHG emissions in the Mediterranean's shipping sector. By tailoring global initiatives to local contexts, the study seeks to optimize the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy in this diverse and complex maritime environment.

To analyze Port Energy Transition Projects (PETPs) effectively requires deep knowledge of stakeholder dynamics and the use of methods that can map and rank these stakeholders. Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) stand out as two key analytical methods that researchers utilize. Social Network Analysis operates as an effective instrument for stakeholder relationship examination by allowing both visualization and evaluation of collaboration networks. MCDA offers a systematic approach to evaluate and rank stakeholders using various evaluation criteria. The research evaluates how combining these analytical methodologies can improve stakeholder engagement and the decision-making mechanisms within Port Energy Transition Projects. The study presents predictive analytics as a tool to predict stakeholder influence and project success which improves decision-making in PETPs.

IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions strategy aims to reduce annual GHG from international shipping by at least 20% in 2030 and 100% by 2050 compared to 2008. To achieve those targets COP26 has established the Green Shipping Corridors (GSC). GSC are zero emission maritime routes between two or more ports. Since initiation 62 GSC have been established ranging in geography, type and number of energy sources, leadership and shipping segments. However, the biggest challenge they face is the economic feasibility. We have conducted a study where we have examined the feasibility of establishing a GSC between UK and ASEAN region. However, our focus was not on technological or operational barriers; our study has focused on trade and investment as GSC's will alter trade and require over $90 billion annually. We collected data through 24 interviews, four workshops in ASEAN region and two workshops in UK supported with a seminar and a survey. Findings helped us to create a new business model and strategy tailormade for the UK on how to develop GSC and achieve the best fit for economic growth and jobs creation.