New project: Shipping must be a key part of Denmark’s electric future
The electrification of Danish shipping is advancing rapidly. Access to electricity and sufficient grid capacity remains the biggest barrier. A new project will provide practical recommendations for policymakers and other key stakeholders, paving the way to unlock its full potential.
Danish Shipping, Danish Maritime, Danish Ports and Green Power Denmark have joined forces on a project to support the electrification of shipping and help policymakers and investors make the right decisions to realise its considerable potential.
“The electrification of Danish shipping is making great strides. Ferries have already come a long way, and there is also significant potential for offshore service vessels, port operations and short sea shipping. Denmark’s maritime sector should play a central role in the green transition and in the ambitions to accelerate electrification across Denmark, as set out in the government’s new budget proposal,” says Nina Porst, Director of Sustainable Ships and Skills at Danish Shipping.
The electrification of shipping is rapidly becoming a viable and energy-efficient solution for decarbonisation. Direct electrification using batteries, for example in shipping, makes highly efficient use of the energy available to us.
Denmark’s maritime sector should play a central role in the green transition and in the ambitions to accelerate electrification across Denmark
At the same time, this development places new demands on electricity capacity, charging infrastructure and ports’ energy systems.
“The main barrier to scaling up electric shipping is not vessel technology or safety regulations. It is access to electricity and sufficient grid capacity in ports. The planning and development of Denmark’s future electricity infrastructure must take this into account. We need ports to be able to develop into energy hubs with high-capacity charging facilities and grid connections,” says Nina Porst.
Specifically, the project will provide an evidence base for future investments and policy decisions by analysing developments in battery-electric shipping and their implications for electricity supply, charging infrastructure and the wider energy system.
The project will deliver practical recommendations for public authorities, ports, energy companies and the maritime sector. Its findings will highlight shipping’s future needs in electricity grid planning and support Denmark’s position as a leading maritime nation in the green transition.
The project is supported by the Danish Maritime Fund.
Read more in the project description (in Danish) here.
Read Danish Shipping’s policy paper on “Electric Propulsion in Shipping” here.