Smart and sustainable cross-sectoral stakeholder integration into macro-regional LNG value chain

Abstract

Since the introduction of lower sulphur content with no more than 0.10% in the Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) from 1 January 2015, the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) is increasingly becoming subject to search for new economically and environmentally competitive and survival strategies. The BSR stands for a flagship maritime region in Europe in terms of good economic, social and environmental performance. In order to sustain, and much more important, to improve the overall eco-system performance of the BSR, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been recognised as one of transitional measures, alternative strategies and business opportunities in maritime shipping and the entire transportation and energy system. LNG might become a viable stepping-stone alternative solution for business, and be considered as a regulation-driven demand to comply with environmental regulations that aim to achieve the goals set by 2020–2050. As a response, ‘Go LNG’ ERDF part-financed INTERREG V project aims at reducing technological, knowledge and business gaps by providing operational and strategic approach. In line with project, the present study aims to answer the research question how to integrate LNG stakeholders involved in diverse LNG activities, with different needs, capacities and capabilities into one macro-regional transport and energy supply and value chain.