Energy Supply Chains and the Maritime Domain

Abstract

The physical linkages between the sources of energy and the consumers are collectively referred to as the energy supply chain. Energy supply chains for fossil fuels have several elements. Coal, crude oil and natural gas have to be transported over long distances, and these supply chains are intricately linked with the maritime domain. This chapter presents various aspects of energy supply chains for coal, crude oil and natural gas and how these energy sources reach the consumer. Transportation of coal, oil and gas from one country to another is possible over intercontinental distances by ships and hence ports are important nodes in the maritime energy supply chain. Ports require specialized infrastructure for handling coal, oil and LNG, and port infrastructure for energy transportation is essential for enabling energy trade. Various facilities which are required for transporting and handling coal, oil and LNG in ports are discussed. The importance of integrated port planning, multimodal connectivity, transshipment and inland waterway connectivity for increasing the reach and efficiency of the energy supply chains is also highlighted.