(NEWS) Ports as Energy Transition Hubs Research

March

2025

WMU Partners on Ports as Energy Transition Hubs Research

As a key partner for the new POTENT-X project, the World Maritime University (WMU), is contributing to the transformation of European maritime ports into dynamic energy hubs. Launched in February 2025 as a key initiative in the EU’s clean energy transition, POTENT-X focuses on renewable energy integration, smart digital solutions, and cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainability and reduce emissions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative governance models, the project aims to position ports as critical enablers of Europe’s Green Deal and energy security goals.

The project objective is to transform European ports into dynamic, sustainable energy hubs by advancing clean energy technologies and fostering digital innovation through Technological Advancement & Integration, and Stakeholder Engagement & Societal Alignment. POTENT-X will establish two Living Lab Networks (LLNs) across the North Sea and Baltic regions, serving as collaborative platforms for real-world testing, knowledge sharing, and co-creation of innovative solutions.

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a key project partner working alongside Chalmers University of Technology, Copenhagen Business School, Technical University of Denmark, University of Seville, and key port authorities including the Port of Trelleborg in Sweden, and the Port of Aalborg in Denmark. WMU is leading Work Package 2, overseeing four key tasks across multiple work packages with a focus on governance, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement. Beyond its leadership role, WMU will actively participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars to disseminate project findings and enhance industry engagement. As part of its key contributions, WMU will deliver three major project deliverables: i) Living Labs Case Study, ii) Assessment of Future Energy Utilization, and iii) Public Acceptance of the Port Energy Transition. These efforts will be instrumental in shaping the future of clean energy in maritime ports. WMU’s Principal Investigator is Associate Professor Fabio Ballini with Research Associate, Dr. Anas Alamoush, serving as Project Officer.

POTENT-X is funded under the Clean Energy Technology Partnership (CETP) with contributions from the Swedish Energy Agency, Innovation Fund Denmark, the European Commission, and Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), Spain. This support enables the project to advance cutting-edge energy innovations and strengthen Europe’s transition to sustainable maritime operations.

For more details, visit https://potent-x.eu/.

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Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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