Decarbonizing Port Operations: A Case Study Mapping the Sustainability Impacts of Green Ammonia Production and Bunkering in Estonia

The maritime transport sector is vital to the global economy, facilitating the movement of goods and resources through ports, which are key hubs in global supply chains. However, the sector's rapid growth poses environmental challenges, as maritime activities contribute up to 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To address this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set targets to reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. One proposed solution is green ammonia (GA), a carbon-neutral fuel derived from renewable energy sources. This study explores GA's potential to reduce maritime transport's environmental footprint and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focusing on existing port infrastructure, the research evaluates GA production and bunkering's impact on port sustainability (PS) through a literature review and a case study of Estonia. The findings provide opportunities and challenges for integrating GA into port infrastructure, creating a sustainability framework for zero-carbon operations that balance environmental, social, and economic goals.

Keywords: Alternative marine fuels, Green ammonia production, Ammonia bunkering, Port operations, Sustainability, Sustainable investment, Sustainable development goals, SDGs, ESG, TBL.