Environmental risk assessment of the use of C02 neutral fuels and carbon capture in the shipping industry

"I wish to make a positive change for the environment" - Janne Fritt-Rasmussen

The shipping industry aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 and replace fossil fuels with green fuels. The possible marine environmental impacts will be investigated in the research project ‘Environmental risk assessment of shipping’s use of CO2 neutral fuels’.

What do you use the grant for?

Internationally, the shipping sector has decided that it will be climate-neutral by 2050, so new fuels must be brought to the market. We know that when new fuels are introduced, the potential environmental impacts and possible ways of combating spills may be changed. With the project, we therefore aim to investigate whether new fuels have a negative environmental impact. We need to investigate this at an early stage. 

We will, for example, be able to gather existing knowledge about the environmental properties of the fuels and initiate a dialogue with relevant professionals from the industry. We have placed considerable emphasis on establishing a broad steering group, consisting of representatives of industry, the authorities and other interest groups who will follow the project, provide input and implement the results. 

What do you love most about your field of research?

I wish to make a positive change for the environment. It’s incredibly rewarding when we talk about the project and get reactions such as: “We had thought about that too, but we couldn’t find any knowledge, so it’s great that you’re looking into it.” I experience a positive energy – also when establishing the steering group where the industry, authorities and stakeholders can follow the project and make suggestions.

What difference has the grant made to your work?

The grant has meant that we can continue our work on the issues on environmental consequences of new fuels. Without the two grants we have received, including the VELUX FOUNDATION grant, we would still just be dreaming about making a difference.