Conference Papers 2025

Seminar
Day 3 (19 Sep 2025), Session 10, Decarbonisation Strategy, 13:30 - 15:00

Status
Accepted, documents submitted

Submitted by / Abstract owner
Elisabete Arsenio

Authors
Elisabete Arsenio, LNEC, Department of Transport, Lisbon, Portugal (presenter)
Joao Tiago Aparicio, LNEC, Department of Transport, Lisbon, Portugal
Gabriel Dias, LNEC, Department of Transport, Lisbon, Portugal

Short abstract
The EU aims for climate neutrality by 2050. This research and innovation work identifies key decarbonization technologies, including alternative fuels and energy efficiency measures, providing insights for policymakers on achieving net-zero logistics

Abstract
Freight transport remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union, accounting for over 30% of transport-related CO₂ emissions (EC, 2023). Addressing this challenge is central to the European Green Deal (European Commission, 2019), which sets a target for a 90% reduction in transport emissions by 2050. The European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy (European Commission, 2020) reinforces this objective by promoting zero-emission vehicles across freight sectors and facilitating a modal shift toward rail. Achieving these goals needs a comprehensive transformation of logistics networks, including the integrating alternative fuels, energy efficiency measures, and digitalized supply chain strategies. The ADMIRAL (Advanced Marketplace for Low Emission and Energy Transportation) project, funded by the EU, addresses these imperatives by developing low-emission solutions and optimizing freight operations through network-based methods and community detection algorithms.
This study systematically evaluates alternative fuel technologies and energy efficiency measures, identifying their environmental impact, scalability, and technical constraints. Alternative fuels are assessed based on well-to-wheel emissions, energy efficiency, and infrastructure feasibility, while energy efficiency measures are examined through their potential to reduce operational emissions and improve logistics performance. The findings of this study provide a framework for industry stakeholders and policymakers to formulate data-driven strategies for freight transport decarbonization.
The analysis identifies six primary alternative fuels, each with distinct trade-offs. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) achieves 20–30% lower CO₂ emissions than conventional marine diesel and heavy fuel oil but raises concerns about methane slip, which diminishes its climate benefits. Hydrogen that also presents a viable decarbonization pathway for maritime and heavy-duty road transport, but its large-scale deployment is hindered by high production costs, infrastructure limitations, and energy-intensive liquefaction processes. Ammonia, particularly suited for inland and short-sea shipping, benefits from ease of storage and fuel handling, yet its sustainability is contingent on the availability of green ammonia, which can reduce maritime emissions by up to 80% but requires extensive electrolyzer capacity and renewable energy input. Electrofuels (e-fuels) offer a synthetic alternative to fossil-based hydrocarbons but are five times less energy-efficient than direct electrification, necessitating high renewable energy input and advanced carbon capture infrastructure to remain viable. Biofuels, already used in several freight applications, are a short-term decarbonization option when derived from waste-based feedstocks, but concerns regarding land use, feedstock sustainability, and production scalability limit their long-term impact. Battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles (BEVs)offer a promising solution for urban and regional freight operations, yet long-haul deployment is restricted by battery weight, limited energy density, and charging infrastructure constraints.
In parallel, energy efficiency measures play a substantial influence in reducing freight transport emissions. Dynamic wireless power transfer, which enables in-motion charging for electric trucks, can potentially cut emissions by 63.7%, mitigating range constraints. Energy harvesting shock absorbers, which convert kinetic energy from road vibrations into usable electricity, reduce fuel consumption by 20%, contributing to overall energy efficiency. Innovations in refrigeration systems enhance thermal efficiency and reduce emissions in temperature-sensitive logistics. Eco-driving techniques, which leverage predictive cruise control, adaptive speed regulation, and regenerative braking, lower fuel consumption by up to 35%, although they introduce minor trade-offs in transit time. AI-driven route optimization, which enhances load factor utilization, minimizes empty runs, and reduces congestion exposure, contributes to overall network efficiency but requires real-time data integration and demand forecasting algorithms to balance cost-effectiveness with operational constraints. Additionally, logistics models designed to optimize handling time, container reshuffling, and energy consumption have demonstrated a 37.09% reduction in carbon emissions, 30% lower loading/unloading times, and a 25% decrease in empty runs, underscoring the importance of digitalized logistics planning in sustainable freight transport.
The findings emphasize that no single technology can achieve net-zero emissions independently. Instead, an integrated approach combining fuel diversification, energy efficiency measures, and modal shifts is necessary. Infrastructure investments must align with advancements in hydrogen-powered freight corridors, high-capacity electric truck convoys, and digitalized transport management platforms to ensure an efficient and scalable transition. Regulatory mechanisms should incentivize early adoption of low-emission technologies while maintaining cost competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
Decarbonizing freight transport presents both technological and economic challenges, requiring a synchronized effort between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research institutions. By leveraging breakthrough technologies, improving operational efficiency, and implementing policy-driven market incentives, the EU can accelerate progress toward its climate goals. The path ahead demands bold investments, regulatory foresight, and industry-wide commitment, but if executed effectively, Europe can set a global benchmark for climate-neutral logistics by 2050.

Programme committee
Freight and Logistics

Topic
Dealing with labour, resource, infrastructure and energy challenges in freight and passenger transport