Umeå, Sweden and Kaunas, Lithuania are redefining the future of green shipping. Two ambitious initiatives – Sweden’s roadmap for a climate-neutral Port in Umeå and Lithuania’s electrification of the Nemunas River – are setting a new standard for sustainable maritime transport. Both projects demonstrate how innovation, local energy resources, and strategic planning can accelerate the transition to zero-emission logistics across Europe. The documents were created as part of the Blue Supply Chains (BSC) project.

Swedish case: Roadmap of local green hydrogen-based fuels in the Umeå Region

The city of Umeå has unveiled a detailed plan to reach climate neutrality by 2040, where the transition to renewable fuels in port and transport operation are a necessary part of the plan. Developed by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute together with Port of Umeå, Umeå Energy AB, Umeå Municipality and INAB – Infrastructure in Umeå AB, the roadmap envisions replacing fossil fuels with locally produced green hydrogen and electro-methanol.

Umeå’s strategic advantages include:
• Abundant renewable electricity (hydro, wind)
• Biogenic CO₂ from district heating
• Infrastructure for rail and sea transport
• Access to clean water for hydrogen electrolysis

A large-scale production plant in Umeå Eco Industrial Park is projected to supply up to 110,000 tonnes of electro-methanol annually by 2030. Wasaline is identified as a key early adopter, while fleet renewal by SCA and others will support long-term emissions cuts.
Three strategic scenarios were analyzed, with Umeå’s most likely role as an export hub for renewable fuels — exceeding initial domestic demand.

Lithuanian case: Greening Lithuania’s Transport Chain

In parallel, Lithuania is transforming its inland waterway transport (IWT) through the Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (LIWA) project, electrifying the Nemunas River corridor between Kaunas and Klaipėda. Backed by EU and national funding, this initiative will eliminate over 48,000 truck journeys per year, significantly cutting CO₂ emissions and congestion.

Since 2019, over €27 million has been invested to modernize the E41 waterway, rebuild infrastructure, and enable year-round shipping. Each barge replaces 106 trucks and saves 21 tonnes of CO₂ per trip.

The new fleet plan includes:
• 6 electric pushboats
• 12 cargo barges
• 27 battery containers
• 3 smart charging hubs: Klaipėda Port, Jurbarkas, and Kaunas Marvele Port

Lithuania has committed to funding 90% of grid expansion costs, enabling high-capacity charging (up to 750 kW per vessel) and predictable long-term electricity pricing.

Decarbonizing by Design: Choosing the Right Fuel

Both working teams assessed a range of clean propulsion options: battery-electric, methanol, hydrogen, and hybrid systems.

– In Swedish case, e-methanol and hydrogen were prioritized for deep-sea, and ferry use due to energy density and decarbonization potential. Hydrogen poses greater infrastructure and safety challenges (e.g., 1000 bar storage, embrittlement), but remains essential long-term.

– In Lithuanian case, battery-electric emerged as the fastest-deployable solution for inland waterways, offering simpler infrastructure and lower operational costs. Pushboats with 660 kW azimuth propulsion and 3.6 m elevating wheelhouses are tailored for the Nemunas’ unique conditions.
Electro-balance modeling, CFD simulations, and real-world testing confirmed vessel performance and energy requirements in both regions.

Where Infrastructure Meets Climate Policy

Both projects emphasize the importance of infrastructure-readiness and regulatory support:

• Swedish case is upgrading onshore power (OPS), fuel bunkering, and integrating carbon capture (operational by 2029).
• Lithuanian case is reinforcing port docks, adding cranes for 30-ton battery containers, and securing fixed-rate electricity contracts.
• Upcoming EU directives like FuelEU Maritime and ETS for shipping will further drive the adoption of clean fuels.

What’s Next on the Green Journey

Swedish case:
• 2027: Rail link from Umeå Eco Industrial Park to the port complete
• 2029: Full carbon capture operational
• 2030: E-methanol production begins
• 2040: Full port and municipal climate neutrality

Lithuanian case:
• 2024–2025: Public tender and construction of first e-pushboats
• 2026–2027: Charging hubs in Kaunas, Jurbarkas, Klaipėda go live
• 2030: Complete electric IWT fleet in operation

Setting the Standard for a Greener Europe

Both roadmaps highlight:
• Early grid and port infrastructure investment is key
• Cross-sector collaboration improves cost control and rollout speed
• Tailored vessel designs outperform retrofits in green corridors
• Policy clarity and local leadership unlock funding and public support

From Baltic Innovation to Global Impact

As Europe races to meet its climate targets, these two Northern European initiatives prove that zero-emission shipping is not just a future vision — it’s already underway. With complementary technologies, integrated energy planning, and strong governance, Sweden and Lithuania are offering scalable models for ports and rivers across the continent.

The roadmaps can be downloaded here (one document contains both cases):
https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bluesupplychains/#output-0

Blue Supply Chains for the Baltic Sea Region

The BSC project supports port authorities and port operators to decarbonize port operations by advancing electrification, providing alternative fuels strategies and setting up green transport chains.
It is co-financed by Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027.
The Port of Hamburg Marketing Reg. Assoc. is the lead partner of the project and Port of Umeå, City of Umeå, Umeå Energy AB, INAB – Infrastructure in Umeå AB, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Lindholmen Science Park AB, Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (LIWA) and Baltic Ports Organization are among project partners.

More about BSC: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bluesupplychains/
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Media Contacts for the Roadmaps:

Swedish Project:
Lindholmen Science Park
Camilla Sundqvist, Head of Mobility-Training and Learning/Senior Project Manager Mobility:
camilla.sundqvist@lindholmen.se
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
Linda Styhre, PhD, Transport & Mobility/Sustainable Cities: linda.styhre@ivl.se

Lithuanian Project:
Lithuanian Inland Waterways Authority (LIWA)
Liudvikas Mickevičius, CFO: liudvikas.mickevicius@vvkd.lt
Marius Mikoliūnas, Project Manager: marius.mikoliunas@vvkd.lt