Inventory Routing for Ammonia Supply in German Ports

Following the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in order to safeguard realization of Paris Agreement on climate protection, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have be reduced by 50% year 2050. This objective shall reached decarbonization maritime traffic, which is why ship operators currently increasingly search for alternative fuels. Moreover, since start Ukrainian war February 2022, this issue fuels has gained central importance political agendas. A promising candidate clean shipping that meets IMO goals ammonia it a carbon-free fuel. Ammonia (NH3) shows good advantages handling and storage, ensures long sea voyages without any significant loss cargo space reasonable price. Hence, potential improve environmental footprint global enormously. Induced introduction stricter regulations so-called emission control areas (ECAs) Northern Europe 2015 as well renewed sulfur cap, entered into force 2020, had decide between different compliance methods, among most popular solutions are related use expensive low-sulfur fuel oils, newbuilds retrofits usage liquefied natural (LNG) or installation scrubber technology. change marine represents an additional novel future option, but successful implementation depends availability NH3 ports, i.e., infrastructure. Currently, single German terminal with access located Brunsbüttel, western entrance Kiel Canal. The distribution from existing hub other ports can analyzed mathematical model inventory routing problem (IRP) usually solved combinatorial optimization methods. paper investigates interrelated research questions, how modeled IRP, mode economic one modal mix supply leads greenest distribution. results empirically validated data were collected several EU projects sustainable chain management green logistics. includes special section dedicated discussion turbulences together their implications shipping.