The ship Götheborg uses biofuels to reduce environmental and climate impact

When sailing to Stockholm, and back to Gothenburg, the ship Götheborg uses RME biodiesel, made from rapeseed oil, instead of marine diesel in two of its four fuel tanks. The initiative is part of a bigger sustainability commitment to minimise the ship’s environmental impact and promote solutions for a more sustainable world.

The ship Götheborg uses biofuels to reduce environmental and climate impact

Despite being a sailing ship, Götheborg needs generators to run all systems on board, and engines for situations when the ship cannot sail or when engines are needed in addition to the sails.

”As part of our commitment to minimise our environmental impact, we are now doing a trial with biofuels”, said Peter Alexandersson, CEO of SOIC Ship Management. “ We want to show that it works and that there are considerable environmental gains to be made from using renewable fuels. To slow down global warming, the reduction of CO2 emissions is the biggest challenge that we face, and this is a way for us to take concrete action. Sustainability is a key focus for both us and our expedition to Asia in 2022.”

The ship Götheborg’s engines are from the early 2000s and SOIC Ship Management has worked to find a solution with renewable fuel for minimal climate impact, without having to replace the engines. As a result, the RME fuel Verdis Polaris Marina from Adesso Bioproducts is now being used during the journey to and from Stockholm.

”The marine segment is a market that is still very early in the transition to fuels with a lower climate impact”, said Lars Lind, CEO at Adesso Bioproducts. “ We believe that liquid biofuels play an important role in this transition, as it will still take many years before extensive use of electric engines become a reality. In the meantime, biofuels have an instant positive effect on emission levels. We are very pleased that the ship Götheborg has chosen our product as part of their sustainability efforts, and we see them as a powerful symbol for a growing insight that the marine sector needs to take responsibility for their climate footprint.”

On an average day while sailing, the ship uses around 1.6 cubic meters of fuel. For safety reasons during the trial of the RME biofuels, conventional marine diesel is used in half of the fuel tanks on board the ship.

“ Götheborg has made a brave decision that demonstrates a power action to reduce their climate impact now”, said Victor Norberg at 2050 Consulting, sustainability advisor to Götheborg. “When using biofuels in all fuel tanks, the ship can reduce her emissions with more than 60 percent, compared with using conventional marine diesel. The international shipping industry today accounts for about 2 percent of the global climate emissions. By simply requesting alternative fuels for the upcoming Asian expedition, Götheborg sends a clear statement that there is a demand for sustainable marine fuels.”

Strategic partnership between Greencarrier and Chalmers to advance sustainable maritime research

21 August 2025

Greencarrier Group and Chalmers University of Technology are entering a strategic partnership to accelerate sustainable development in the maritime industry. For three years Greencarrier will support world-leading research and education in maritime environmental science, led by Chalmers Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv, a global expert in the field. he partnership combines Chalmers’ academic excellence with Greencarrier’s industry knowledge to tackle urgent environmental challenges and support the shift to more responsible and resilient maritime practices. It also reinforces Chalmers’ recently launched overarching research area, Ocean, that brings together all marine and maritime research and education under one umbrella. Over the past decades, Chalmers has made significant contributions to national, EU, and international environmental policy, including within the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Long-term commitment to ocean health Greencarrier’s funding will enable long-term, socially relevant research and help train future experts in the field. The initiative is also aligned with Greencarrier’s Blue Initiative – a key part of the company’s 2027 strategy – which supports projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping. “By investing in innovative projects and strategic partnerships, we aim to drive meaningful change. At Greencarrier, we believe in the power of collaboration – together, we can achieve more. We are proud to support Professor Hassellöv in her vital work, both as a scientist and as a valuable partner helping us better understand the ocean and our industry’s impact on it. Her previous research has had a significant influence, shaping policies and driving change within the maritime sector,” says Josefine Widegren, Owner and Board Member, Greencarrier Group Driving science-based change The all-embracing goal of this joint effort is to strengthen Chalmers’ role as a broad-based resource in the transition toward sustainable shipping. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the collaboration will help translate scientific knowledge into practical change. Professor Hassellöv will lead both research and doctoral education focused on the environmental impact of shipping on marine ecosystems. One of the key research areas will be improving marine risk assessments by incorporating the environmental effects of shipping, including those from shipping lanes – an area where current knowledge is limited. “I am very pleased that the research field I am dedicated to and passionate about is being given strong and long-term support through Greencarrier’s funding. This contribution will enhance scientific knowledge and, ultimately, support the health of our marine environment,” says Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv, Chalmers University of Technology. “Greencarrier’s commitment to the marine environment is truly welcome. Our experience shows that when industry and academia work closely together, we can solve complex challenges. We look forward to more research-based development that contributes to sustainable shipping,” says Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology. The strategic partnership will help translate scientific findings into industry practice and raise awareness through active knowledge sharing. Background: A shared maritime legacy Greencarrier Group and Chalmers share historical ties to Svenska Ostindiska Companiet (SOIC), the Swedish East India Company. Founded in 1731, SOIC became one of Sweden’s most successful trading ventures, helping drive national progress in shipbuilding, science, and infrastructure. The company’s global knowledge exchange laid the foundation for institutions like Chalmers. Today, Greencarrier owns Svenska Ostindiska Companiet (SOIC) and the historic ship Götheborg, a symbol of Sweden’s maritime legacy. In recognition of their shared roots and ongoing collaboration, Chalmers will serve as an honorary partner to the ship Götheborg in 2025. This shared heritage adds cultural depth to the new partnership, linking history with modern innovation and collaboration.

Ostindiefararen's Oktoberfest

15 August 2025

Welcome to a unique autumn celebration on the pier with Ostindiefararen Götheborg! On 20 September, we invite you to our Oktoberfestival with everything you’d expect: delicious food, great drinks, communal singing, and live music to keep the warmth going even if the autumn evening is crisp. During the evening, you’ll also have the chance to board the ship and experience its unique atmosphere up close – a perfect opportunity to feel the presence of history while enjoying the festive mood. 🎶 Live music 🍽 Food & drinks ⚓ Boarding and guided tours Bring your friends, colleagues, or family and celebrate autumn with us in a way you’ll never forget! Tickets: use the button below Price: 150 SEK – includes entry to both the pier and the ship, valid all day. Food and drinks are available within the festival area. For group bookings, email: bokning@gotheborg.se

Ostindiefararen’s Auction Day – September 12, 10:00–16:00

13 August 2025

The East Indiaman Götheborg invites you to a day on board, in collaboration with AntikWest, in support of cultural heritage and the preservation of the ship’s history. This day is dedicated to the memory of the original Götheborg’s shipwreck – on 12 September 1745, when the vessel ran aground just outside Gothenburg after a long journey from China. The pier to the East Indiaman will open at 10:00, and throughout the day there will be free admission to both the Antiques Day and the ship. AntikWest, founded by Björn Gremner in 1971, is one of Gothenburg’s most renowned antique dealers specializing in Chinese porcelain. Many fascinating objects connected to the voyages of the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century, as well as treasures from the East Indiaman Götheborg, will be on display during the day. Don’t miss 12 September, when you can meet Björn Gremner, one of the foremost experts on Chinese porcelain from the Swedish TV show Antikrundan. Bring your own items for appraisal and listen to his exciting stories about the history of porcelain. Welcome to be inspired and perhaps discover your next unique collector’s item! There will also be a book signing and lecture with author Lars-Olof Lööf and his book Sjöfarare och Superkargörer (Seafarers and Supercargoes), an extensive account of the sailors of the SOIC. The day concludes with a unique charity auction, where items related to the East Indiaman Götheborg and the Swedish East India Company will be auctioned off under the leadership of Björn Gremner. 🎟 Collect your free ticket on the East Indiaman Götheborg’s website. (All proceeds will go directly to the East Indiaman Götheborg for the preservation and development of the ship.) Program 10:00 – 12:00 Start: Appraisals on the pier with Björn Gremner (bring up to 5 items per person) 12:00 – 13:00 Lecture and book signing with Lars-Olof Lööf: The Journey of Porcelain and East India Stories 14:00 Auction – led by Björn Gremner All day: 10:00 – 16:00 Free admission to the East Indiaman Götheborg with online ticket 10:00 – 16:00 Café & shop open We look forward to a day filled with history, treasures, and exciting encounters! Welcome to an unforgettable day on the pier! More info: https://antikwest.se/ https://larsolofloof.wordpress.com/