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.