X-Press Feeders has signed of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six European ports: 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), for green corridors.
According to X-Press Feeders, the aim of the MoUs is to accelerate the establishment of green shipping corridors and the broader decarbonization of the marine sector in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea. Through this MoU, X-Press Feeders and the participating ports will pool resources and expertise to develop and implement sustainable practices for maritime operations.
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.
… said X-Press Feeders’ Chief Operating Officer, Francis Goh
In particular, under the MOU the organizations will:
- Parties will work together to further develop infrastructure for the provision and bunkering of alternative fuels such as green methanol
- 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
- 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.
Two green shipping routes
The collaboration between the parties will begin with the establishment of these two 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
As X-Press Feeders notes, there will be the very first scheduled feeder routes in Europe powered by green methanol, an alternative fuel that produces at least 60% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional marine fuel.
X-Press Feeders’ green methanol is sourced from fuel supplier OCI Global. The green methanol is made from green hydrogen and the decomposition of organic matter, such as waste and residues. OCI’s green methanol is independently certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association headquartered in Germany.
Margus Vihman, Commercial Manager, Port of Tallinn, stated that making the maritime sector more sustainable and reducing its environmental footprint is a priority for all stakeholders in their industry.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is honored to have signed this MOU with X-Press Feeders and fellow European ports, emphasizing our joint dedication to sustainable maritime practices.
… noted Luc Arnouts, Vice President, International Affairs, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Vesa Marttinen, Vice President, Cargo, Port of Helsinki, expressed pride in being a chosen destination for a methanol-driven container ship from summer 2024 onwards. He considered this a very important milestone for the Carbon-Neutral Port of Helsinki Manifestation.
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.
… supplied Edgars Suna, Freeport of Riga Authority Deputy CEO for Port Development Matters
Meanwhile, Timo Rosendahl, Director of Traffic Operations, Port of HaminaKotka Ltd, saw this initiative as a step towards a more sustainable future and more environmentally responsible shipping. He strongly believed that joint actions played a key role in their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
The integration of Klaipeda Port into environmentally sustainable shipping services by X-Press Feeders is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering a greener port
… stated Vladas Motiejūnas, Harbor Master of the Port of Klaipėda.
