The aim of the STORM project is to support and facilitate the transition to renewable marine fuels in the Nordic region, from a system and supply chain perspective.
Shipping is a key industry in the Nordic countries, but at the same time one of the important remaining sectors for decarbonisation in the region. However, this sector also consists of a variety of shipping segments, routes, and vessels with diverse conditions. Therefore, the STORM project, funded under the Nordic Maritime Transport and Energy Research Programme, aims to explore the opportunities and limitations of a number of fuel options for different types of shipping.
The project will address this aim through three distinct Nordic shipping cases:
- Ferry operations between mainland Sweden and Gotland
- Fisheries and fishing vessels in Iceland
- Liner services in the Nordic region
Each case presents unique challenges and opportunities pertaining to the transition of fuel, influenced by geographical factors and sector-specific requirements. The first case focuses on hydrogen while the fuel choices for the other segments are to be decided. Through the supply chain perspective, the project aims to scrutinise areas from fuel supply, distribution, fueling processes to impacts of implementation for hydrogen and other innovative renewable fuel options.
Utilising a multidisciplinary approach, STORM will foster collaboration among five research organisations and eight industry stakeholders from Sweden, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, all with vested interests in marine fuel transition. The research objectives are derived from real-world challenges identified by the industry and include to:
- Assess fuel supply options encompassing local production and/or import of fuels or feedstock for the studied cases
- Develop and apply a framework for assessing the suitability of fuels for various shipping segments
- Identify barriers and opportunities within the selected shipping cases and formulate tailored solutions
- Propose additional policy options to accelerate the transition to renewable marine fuels
Furthermore, the project aims to foster enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange among Nordic stakeholders through significant stakeholder engagement and a diverse range of dissemination activities.
“STORM enhances integration in the region by bringing together five research organisations and eight industry stakeholders – in Iceland, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands – all with different interests in marine fuel switching.”
Julia Hansson, Project Manager of STORM and Senior Researcher at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institut.
