SafeSBU

Challenge

Ports will play a crucial role in Denmark’s emerging Power-to-X (P2X) industry as storage and transit hubs for e-fuels (green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol). They will act as interfaces between land and sea, different fuels, and industry and local communities, representing the entire value chain. This new scenario introduces risks related to health, safety, and the environment, as well as a need for new competencies. Ensuring safety in port operations within the P2X context is critical, as failure to do so could lead to negative public perception and hinder the adoption of green technologies.

Solution

The SafeSBU Project aims to support the rapid and safe implementation of P2X in ports by providing tools that promote best practices for the safe storage, bunkering, and use of P2X fuels in ports, from the entry gate to the vessel.

Main Deliverables

Comprehensive Guidelines:
A publication outlining best practices for the storage, bunkering, and use of e-fuels in ports, including safety design processes and approval procedures to enable rapid and safe implementation.

Training Course Proposal:
Development of training programs for port workers and those involved in bunkering operations (storage facilities, bunker stations, and onboard vessels) to ensure they acquire the necessary skills to handle e-fuels safely.

Public Engagement:
Understanding the role of safety in public perception of e-fuels and facilitating open dialogue between the public and industry stakeholders to address safety concerns and foster a positive public view of e-fuels.

Expected Outcomes

The project's success criteria include a reduction in potential health, safety, and environmental incidents, increased public acceptance, and a faster time-to-market for new green fuels:

• Standardized Safety Approaches: Investment in standardized safety design and approval processes, workforce qualification, and positive public perception supports the rapid and safe deployment of P2X technologies.
• Sustainability Goals: Investment in green fuels and sector coupling can help shipping companies and ports achieve sustainability targets and reduce their carbon footprint, enhancing their reputation and competitiveness in a market increasingly driven by climate and sustainability priorities.
• Operational Reliability: Establishing a reliable supply chain from port to vessel for transferring green fuels can enhance operational reliability and safety, minimizing risks of supply disruptions or safety incidents.
• Regulatory Compliance: Investing in green fuels and sector coupling can help shipping companies and ports comply with stricter environmental regulations and influence future standards and policies.
• Community Health and Well-being: By reducing emissions and improving air quality, investments in green fuels and sector coupling between ports and vessels can positively impact local community health and well-being, enhancing the reputation and social license to operate for project partners.

Part of Innomissions

The EU funds four green, mission-driven research and innovation partnerships uniting the country’s top researchers, businesses, and organizations to make Denmark a leader in sustainability. These partnerships focus on carbon capture and utilization (CCUS), Power-to-X, climate- and environmentally-friendly agriculture and food production, and circular economy initiatives targeting plastics and textiles.

This innovation project is part of Innomissions 2: MissionGreenFuels – Green Fuels for Transport and Industry. The MissionGreenFuels partnership aims to phase out fossil fuels for shipping, heavy road transport, aviation, and the maritime industry by 2030. Learn more at missiongreenfuels.dk.