The 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.
About Ida-Maja Hassellöv
Professor at Transport, Energy and Environment
Hassellöv’s research interests are broad with respect to impact of human activities, especially shipping, on the marine environment. Beside holistic assessments of the environmental impact of shipping, she is dedicated to inter- and transdisciplinary projects concerning e.g. shipwreck risk assessment or seawater scrubbing, an exhaust gas treatment method.
Hassellöv holds a PhD, specializing in marine chemistry, from University of Gothenburg in 2006. Since 2020 she is chairing the ICES Working Group on Shipping Impacts in the Marine Environment and contributes to the UN World Ocean Assessments.
About Chalmers University of Technology
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture.
With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
In the picture, from left: Anna Svensson, Head of Project Management Greencarrier, Patrik Westræus, Head of Sustainability Greencarrier, Ida-Maja Hassellöv, Professor Chalmers, Josefine Widegren, Owner and Board Member Greencarrier.
Photo credit: Natalie Greppi
