X-Press Feeders and six North European ports - Antwerp-Bruges, HaminaKotka, Helsinki, Klaipėda, Riga, and Tallinn - have joined forces to establish two North Sea-Baltic green (methanol) corridors.

Following the agreement, X-Press Feeders will, as of Q3 2024, run two sea container routes powered by green methanol.

The Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) loop will connect the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipėda, and Riga.

The Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) service will link Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Helsinki, Tallinn, and HaminaKotka.

X-Press Feeders' green methanol, made from green hydrogen and the decomposition of organic matter (waste and residues), will be sourced from the fuel supplier OCI Global. The company's green methanol is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association. X-Press Feeders says that green methanol as an alternative marine fuel produces at least 60% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions vs conventional bunker.

Additionally, the parties will work together to further develop infrastructure for the provision and bunkering of alternative fuels; encourage the development of supply chains for fuels that are zero or near-zero in terms of GHG emissions; provide further training programmes for port workers and seafarers with regards to the handling of alternative fuels; leverage digital platforms to enhance port call optimization; and hold regular meetings to update and discuss progress on actions to continue developing green shipping corridors.

"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," underlined Francis Goh, X-Press Feeders' COO.

Margus Vihman, Commercial Manager at the Port of Tallinn, also commented, "Making the maritime sector more sustainable and reducing its environmental footprint is a priority for all stakeholders in our industry. It is extremely welcoming that the first tangible steps - towards greater sustainability in our industry - addresses fuel consumption. The Port of Tallinn was one of the fastest ports in Europe to digitalize, and soon we can say the same about the introduction of new types of fuel."

Vesa Marttinen, the Port of Helsinki's Vice President Cargo, shared, "We are humble and proud to be a chosen destination for methanol-driven container ship from summer 2024 onwards. This is a very important milestone for the Carbon-Neutral Port of Helsinki Manifestation. The only possible way to achieve significantly reduced cargo owners' scope 3 emissions from maritime transportation comes with shipping companies like X-Press Feeders taking the tangible steps."

Timo Rosendahl, Director of Traffic Operations at the Port of HaminaKotka, said, "The Port of HaminaKotka is committed to promoting environmentally friendly practices in maritime transport by signing this Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating the establishment of green shipping corridors in Europe. This initiative is a step towards a more sustainable future and more environmentally responsible shipping. We strongly believe that joint actions play a key role in our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping."

Edgars Suna, the Port of Riga's Deputy CEO for Port Development, underlined, "The Port of Riga is delighted to join the European ports in promoting green shipping and establishing green shipping corridors, focusing on climate neutrality and integration into green logistics corridors. 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."

Vladas Motiejūnas, Harbor Master of the Port of Klaipėda, also underscored, "In recent years, the Klaipėda Port has taken significant strides towards sustainability. This year marks the commencement of construction for green hydrogen production and refueling stations at the port, along with the implementation of shore-side power supply (OPS) stations for roll-on/roll-off ferries. Furthermore, the Klaipėda Port proudly enters 2024 with the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) certification, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship. Already, methanol bunkering operations are available at the Klaipėda Port. The integration of the Klaipėda Port into environmentally sustainable shipping services by X-Press Feeders is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering a greener port."

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges shared in a press release, "The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is honoured to have signed this MoU with X-Press Feeders and fellow European ports, emphasizing our joint dedication to sustainable maritime practices. 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."

Photo: Port of Tallinn