Sustainability transitions in coastal shipping: The role of regime segmentation. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergek, Anna; Bjørgum, Øyvind; Hansen, Teis; Hanson, Jens; Steen, Markus
• Is Part Of: Transportation research interdisciplinary perspectives. Volume 12(2022)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Maritime shipping sector -- User segments -- Conditions for transitions -- Multi-level perspective -- Battery-electric technology -- Task environment; Transportation -- Periodicals; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2021.100497
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-1982

Abstract

Highlights: Understanding regime heterogeneity underdeveloped in sustainability transitions research. Develops framework distinguishing between task and institutional environments. Transition conditions and windows of opportunity for change can thus be better specified. User segment characteristics influence susceptibility to regime change. Policies for decarbonization can be attuned to segment particularities. Abstract: Maritime transport has received little attention in sustainability transitions research. This sector is mature and heterogeneous, which suggests the need for a more nuanced perspective on socio-technical regimes to understand variation in conditions for adoption of novel technologies that may support sustainability transitions. We consider this important in order to develop more efficient policy to decarbonize the shipping sector. We develop a framework that explicitly differentiates task and institutional environment of user regimes, enabling us to identify regime segmentation and its influence on three key transition conditions: technology maturity and fit, system integration and infrastructure, and acceptability and legitimacy. We apply our framework to analyse development and uptake of battery-electric energy storage solutions within three segments (coastal ferry, coastal fishing, and offshore supply) of Norwegian coastal shipping. Our analysis suggests that the transition process unfolds along different pathways in different user segments, pointing to a need for segment-specific policy instruments.