Interreg Central Europe - Blue Supply Chains
Reducing emissions and pollution in ports and along maritime transport chains
Blue Supply Chains
Together with 20 European project partners, under the leadership of Hafen Hamburg Marketing e.V., the Blue Supply Chains project is implementing project activities in the following three topics:
– Evaluation and piloting of measures for the further electrification of handling equipment,
– Strategies for the provision, handling and storage of alternative fuels,
– Promotion of more environmentally friendly transport chains in the hinterland, with a focus on the development of combined transport.
ROSTOCK PORT focuses on the one hand on the analysis of possibilities for CO2 reduction during the port stay of vessels – with concentrating on shore power systems. On the other hand, the last remaining rail ferry in the Baltic Sea region will serve as an example for a cooperative approach between ports, shipping companies, rail operators and freight forwarders as well as rail terminal operators in order to foster the modal shift from road to rail in the transport chains.
Link zur Projekt-Website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bluesupplychains
Interreg CENTRAL Europe Project
Ports are crucial for trade, but they also produce significant emissions. The Blue Supply Chains project shows that greener transport is possible when port authorities and operators work hand in hand. At the heart of this effort is the Rostock–Trelleborg railferry connection — a vital freight link between Germany and Sweden that became the testing ground for how cooperation can make entire transport chains greener.
The Rostock–Trelleborg corridor is a perfect example. This route is one of the main arteries connecting Central Europe with Scandinavia. Traditionally, much of the cargo has moved by truck. That means more congestion, more noise, and more CO₂. But shifting freight from road to rail, combined with efficient ferry transport, can cut emissions significantly. It only works if ports and operators align their efforts.
The message is simple: the green transition is not only about new machines or fuels. It’s about cooperation. And if cooperation can make the Rostock–Trelleborg railferry greener, it can transform many other transport chains across Europe.
