In an unprecedented move towards a sustainable maritime future, X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has formalized an agreement with several leading European ports. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) encompasses collaborations with 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), marking a united front in the creation of green shipping corridors throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea.
The MOU embodies a collective ambition to spearhead the decarbonization of maritime activities. It lays out a framework for:
- Development of infrastructure to facilitate the provision and bunkering of green methanol and other alternative fuels
- Promotion of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emissions supply chains
- Enhancement of training programs for the handling of alternative fuels
- Utilization of digital platforms to optimize port calls
- Regular meetings to track progress and develop actions for green shipping corridors
This consortium of ports and X-Press Feeders signifies an industry-wide commitment to reducing the environmental impact of shipping and moving towards climate-neutral operations. The MOU will initiate with two green shipping routes – Green Baltic X-PRESS and Green Finland X-PRESS – slated to commence services in Q3 2024, introducing the first European feeder routes powered by green methanol.
The use of green methanol, supplied by OCI Global and certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), represents a significant advancement in maritime fuel technology. It's a leap forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to conventional marine fuels.
The ports involved in this agreement have already taken active steps toward sustainable practices. For instance, the construction of green hydrogen production and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) facilities, like those at Klaipeda Port, aligns with the European Alternative Fuels Observatory’s efforts to curate a comprehensive database of OPS infrastructure for maritime and inland waterway ports. This database is an essential resource for the industry, detailing the ports' facilities and capabilities in supporting green maritime operations, and is available here: https://alternative-fuels-observatory.ec.europa.eu/transport-mode/maritime-sea/ports-and-infrastructure.
EAFO recognizes these developments as instrumental in moving towards the EU’s goals outlined in the European Green Deal. The collaborative approach undertaken by X-Press Feeders and European ports paves the way for integrating sustainable solutions within maritime logistics and port operations.
For continuous updates on green maritime initiatives and detailed information on alternative fuel infrastructures, visit the European Alternative Fuels Observatory.
Source: Port of Tallin (Link)
