The new routes on the Baltic will run using green methanol. Credit: X-Press Feeders

Six ports in Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with X-Press Feeders, an independent feeder carrier based in Singapore. 

The firm said the agreement is aimed at accelerating green shipping corridors in the Baltic Sea through resource pooling and boosting supply chains for “green” fuels.  

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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) have signed up so far. 

The four key points of the MoU cover bunkering, digitalisation, and wider cooperation: 

·    Encourage the development of supply chains for fuel that are zero or near to zero in terms of greenhouse gas emissions

·    Provide further training programs for port workers and seafarers with regards to the handling of alternative fuels

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·    Leverage digital platforms to enhance port call optimization

·    Parties will have regular meetings to update and discuss progress on actions for further developing green shipping corridors.

Starting in Q3 2024, X-Press Feeders will begin two feeder routes powered by green methanol, both using Rotterdam as their central ports. 

Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam

Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Helsinki > Tallinn > HaminaKotka > Rotterdam

The feeder line said its green methanol is sourced from OCI Global, certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification. 

“By working together – X-Press Feeders and the six partner ports – aim to efficiently implement green shipping corridors and lead the maritime industry in sustainability. We chose the Nordic and Baltic states as the first markets to deploy our green methanol-powered vessels because we found the ports and our customers in these markets to be very receptive,” X-Press Feeder’s COO Francis Goh explained. 

Luc Arnouts, vice president of international affairs, Port Authority of Antwerp Bruges described the agreement as “crucial” to the shipping industry. 

“This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in nurturing eco-friendly shipping corridors and encouraging the use of alternative fuels. It reinforces our steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavian region, which plays a vital role for our port,” he said. 

“This commitment is crucial for the port’s sustainability and competitiveness, as it aligns with the European Green Deal and meets client demands for greener transport solutions. The availability of green energy not only makes the port more efficient and safer but also significantly boosts its appeal for freight and investment projects,” added Edgars Suna, Freeport of Riga Authority deputy CEO.