A major pact was signed for eco-friendly shipping corridors powered by green methanol, boosting sustainability in Europe’s maritime sector.
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable maritime practices, X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has inked a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six prominent European ports. The signing ceremony, held in Hamburg, solidified the alliance between X-Press Feeders and the Port of Antwerp Bruges (Belgium), Port of Tallinn (Estonia), Port of Helsinki (Finland), Port of HaminaKotka (Finland), Freeport of Riga (Latvia), and Klaipeda Port (Lithuania).
The MOU symbolises a united front in expediting the creation of green shipping corridors and fostering the broader decarbonisation of the marine industry in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea region. Through this pact, X-Press Feeders and the participating ports are pooling their resources and expertise to devise and implement sustainable practices for maritime operations.
Key highlights of the MOU include:
- Collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure for the provision and bunkering of alternative fuels such as green methanol.
- Promotion of supply chain development for fuels with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implementation of comprehensive training programs for port workers and seafarers regarding the handling of alternative fuels.
- Utilisation of digital platforms to optimise port calls.
- Regular meetings to track progress and discuss further actions for the development of green shipping corridors.
This MOU underscores the shared commitment to advancing decarbonisation endeavours within the maritime sector.
The collaborative venture will commence with the establishment of two eco-friendly shipping routes:
- Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam
- Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Helsinki > Tallinn > HaminaKotka > Rotterdam
Scheduled to commence operations in the third quarter of 2024, these services represent a significant stride towards environmentally sustainable shipping in Europe. Notably, these will be the first scheduled feeder routes in Europe powered by green methanol, an alternative fuel that emits at least 60% less greenhouse gases than conventional marine fuel.
X-Press Feeders sources its green methanol from fuel supplier OCI Global. This sustainable fuel is derived from green hydrogen and the decomposition of organic matter, including waste and residues. Independently certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association, OCI’s green methanol adheres to stringent sustainability standards, promoting the production of biomass, circular and bio-based materials, and renewables.
The collaboration between X-Press Feeders and European ports marks a significant milestone in fostering greener practices within the maritime industry, setting a precedent for sustainable shipping worldwide.
Source: Press Release
