European Ports Join Forces to Drive Green Shipping Initiatives
Hamburg – April 5, 2024 – In a groundbreaking move, X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has signed 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).
This partnership aims to accelerate the establishment of green shipping corridors and promote the decarbonization of the marine sector in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea. By collaborating, X-Press Feeders and the participating ports will combine resources and expertise to implement sustainable practices for maritime operations.
Key points of the MOU include the development of infrastructure for alternative fuels like green methanol, the encouragement of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emissions in fuel supply chains, training programs for port workers and seafarers on handling alternative fuels, optimization of port call processes through digital platforms, and regular meetings to track progress in developing green shipping corridors.
The collaboration will kick off with the launch of two new shipping routes: Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) and Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX), both powered by green methanol. These routes are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant milestone in providing more environmentally sustainable shipping services in Europe.
X-Press Feeders’ green methanol, sourced from OCI Global, is produced from green hydrogen and organic matter decomposition, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuel. The fuel is independently certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association.
Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders, expresses the shared goal of implementing green shipping corridors and leading the industry in sustainability. This MOU represents a significant step towards a sustainable future for maritime transport.
Representatives from the participating ports also emphasize their commitment to sustainability and their excitement to be part of this initiative. The collaboration between X-Press Feeders and the European ports showcases a collective dedication to reducing the maritime sector’s environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Overall, the alliance between X-Press Feeders and the European ports marks a significant milestone in driving green shipping initiatives and fostering a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
