ETN partner in ambitious Baltic Sea hydrogen project

Energy Transition Norway (ETN) is part of the Interreg project H2Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts (H2Deri@BSP) as an associated partner.

The project aims to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen derivatives in the shipping sector and transform Baltic Sea ports into central hubs for renewable fuel logistics.

The project was formally launched during a two-day kick-off meeting held in Hamburg on March 5 - 6, 2025, where participants from across the Baltic Sea region gathered to discuss organizational structures, project work packages, and the overall vision for H2Deri@BSP.

With the timeline spanning from March 2025 to February 2028, the initiative sets out to tackle one of the shipping industry’s most pressing challenges: the transition from fossil fuels to clean alternatives.

Led by Port of Hamburg Marketing, H2Deri@BSP brings together an extensive consortium of port authorities, energy producers, research institutes, and business networks.

Among the core partners are ports in Hamburg, Klaipeda, Kiel, Esbjerg, Helsinki, Ventspils, Tallinn, and Luleå, as well as fuel providers such as Alexela, Gasum, and Mabanaft. The project also includes renowned research institutions like the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Lindholmen Science Park, and sister clusters Renewable Energy Hamburg and Energy Cluster Denmark.

As an associated partner, ETN will contribute with insights and data throughout the project, helping to shape key deliverables.

‍Among the areas of focus is a comprehensive market demand analysis for hydrogen derivatives, which will map out the current and projected needs for green fuels across the Baltic Sea region, and the development of practical solutions for port infrastructure.

This includes a bunkering mapping instrument, feasibility testing of methanol truck-to-ship bunkering, and the design of a methanol bunker vessel - solutions tailored for both large ports and smaller terminals looking to make the shift to green fuels.

Equally important is the regulatory dimension. H2Deri@BSP will produce a port regulatory framework and an updated port safety handling manual to help ensure the safe and efficient implementation of hydrogen technologies.

Finally, the project acknowledges the importance of public perception. A dedicated communication strategy will be developed and tested to engage residents, cruise passengers, and other port stakeholders in understanding and supporting the green energy transition.

By joining H2Deri@BSP, Energy Transition Norway strengthens its commitment to cross-border collaboration and its mission to drive forward the decarbonization of maritime transport.

The project provides a unique opportunity to shape future-ready port infrastructure, policies, and partnerships, ensuring that the Baltic Sea region - and Norway - are well positioned in the emerging hydrogen economy.

For more information, visit the project website.