Tranzero Initiative – a collective effort for fossil-free transition

In an effort to speed up the transition to fossil-free fuels in the transport sector, Volvo Group, Scania, Stena Line, and the Port of Gothenburg have joined forces to bring about a significant reduction in carbon emissions linked to the largest port in the Scandinavia.

A joint step to realize the transition

Trade and transportation of goods and commodities build prosperity and are crucial for the functioning and development of society. At the same time, the transport sector is a complex system involving various modes of transportation and numerous actors, all facing significant climate challenges.

The collaborating companies have, over the years, implemented a series of interconnected measures that contribute to accelerating the transition of the transport sector to fossil-free alternatives.

A turning point towards fossil-free energy

The TranZero collaboration is expanding during 2024-2025 to include more stakeholders. Under the name TranZero Energy, an industrial cluster is being established with a focus on energy-intensive industries on Hisingen in Gothenburg. The purpose of this cluster collaboration is to investigate needs and identify necessary solutions to ensure the availability of fossil-free energy for the actors within the cluster. The collaboration is planned to continue until spring 2026.

An important milestone will be reached in January 2025 when The TranZero Initiative is recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Transitioning Industrial Cluster and is highlighted in the report Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies.

In October 2024, a new hydrogen fueling station will be inaugurated near Port 6, next to Gothenburg RoRo Terminal. The station will supply green hydrogen and is strategically located at one of Sweden’s most truck-intensive areas, facilitating the transition for heavy transport. The station is partially funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and will be operated by Hydri.

Efficient and sustainable transport solutions

As part of the TranZero collaboration, several projects have been carried out to increase efficiency and reduce emissions from transport and activities in the port and its surroundings. Together with Lindholmen Science Park, the TranZero partners are leading the VINNOVA-funded project Sustainable and Efficient Port Solutions. The project identifies measures that can reduce emissions throughout the entire port-related transport chain. The report published within the project highlights several international examples as inspiration for continued transition efforts.

Another initiative is the inauguration of four new charging stations for heavy transport at Port Entry, opened in November 2023. These strategically placed charging stations have a capacity of up to 350 kW and facilitate the shift to electrified transportation.

Additionally, a facility with 14 chargers for electric trucks, each with a capacity of up to 400 kW, has been established at Vädermotet near the port cluster. These efforts strengthen the Port of Gothenburg's position as a leading player in sustainable transportation.

Prioritized lanes and the industry's role in the transition

To support electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, Green Priority Lanes have been introduced in the container terminal. These reserved lanes enable faster handling, minimize waiting times, and facilitate planning for vehicles with limited range. This initiative contributes to a smoother and more sustainable logistics solution.

In parallel, needs assessments and flow analyses of goods are being conducted to ensure that the port's infrastructure meets the market's requirements for fossil-free transportation. Volvo Group and Scania have also committed to providing commercial solutions for heavy vehicles, paving the way for fossil-free land transport in line with the port's long-term ambitions.