2 February 2026
Workshop on fossile-free and sustainable shipping
On January 22, a workshop about how to realise fossil-free shipping by 2035 was held at Lindholmen Science Park. It involved more than 30 participants from industry, authorities, and research, who explored challenges, opportunities, solutions, and initial roadmaps for the transition.
Overview of the workshop venue. Photo by Sven Borén 2026.
The workshop participants identified the following key challenges: rapid scaling up of renewable energy systems, infrastructure constraints, and the complexity of transforming multiple sectors simultaneously. Participants also highlighted geopolitical uncertainties, limited shipyard capacity for retrofitting, and the importance of behavioural change and reduced energy demand.
At the same time, the transition was seen as an opportunity to drive innovation in fuels, vessel technologies and logistics, and to strengthen supply chain resilience through greater efficiency and circularity. Strong international cooperation and coordinated governance were identified as critical enablers.
Proposed solutions included early and decisive policy measures, such as carbon pricing and long-term regulatory frameworks, alongside technological developments, including improved ship design, operational optimisation, retrofitting, and new propulsion systems. Wind-assisted propulsion, batteries for short-distance shipping, and renewable fuels were highlighted as key components. Collaboration across the maritime value chain and increased societal acceptance of higher transport costs were also considered essential.
An initial roadmap was proposed to include strong incentives and regulatory frameworks at global, regional, and national political and other decision-making levels, providing opportunities/directives for shipping stakeholders to initiate and sustain the transition.
Overall, fossil-free shipping by 2035 is highly challenging but potentially achievable with strong political commitment, rapid technological deployment and systemic change.
Active workshop discussions at table E with Karl Jivén from IVL (left) as table host, Per Thunell from the Soya Group (2nd left), Claes de Serves from Vinnova (center), and Björn Södahl from Södahl & Partners (right).
Workshop discussions at table C with Jonas Flodén from GU (standing) as the table host, Henry Hammarström from Gotland tech development (center-left), Mattias Rust from the Government office in Sweden, Andreas Bach from Lighthouse (left), and Liisa Fransson from Alfa Laval (right).