X-Press Feeders methanol-powered vessel makes inaugural call at Klaipėda
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by Admin
Singapore-based shipping company X-Press Feeders methanol-powered vessel Eco Umande called at Port of Klaipėda for the first time on the firm’s green shipping route, according to the port authority on Monday (16 September).
The port said the Eco Umande’s entry marked the beginning of a new era in sustainable shipping. Eco Umande will visit the port every second week.
Algis Latakas, CEO of the Port of Klaipėda Authority, said: “Today, the Port of Klaipėda marks an important historical moment – the arrival of Eco Umande, the first green methanol-powered vessel that will regularly operate in the port.”
“This event not only symbolises the beginning of a new era of sustainable shipping at the Port of Klaipėda but also integrates Lithuania into the international network of green shipping routes.”
“It is a great recognition of our efforts to achieve environmental goals and proof that we are among the most advanced ports in Europe. Alongside ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp, we are contributing to the development of a sustainable maritime shipping industry.”
Francis Goh, COO, X-Press Feeders, said: “The arrival of the Eco Umande, our green methanol-powered vessel, at the Port of Klaipėda marks a significant milestone not only for our company but also for the shipping industry as a whole.”
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmentally friendly operations across global shipping routes. By partnering with forward-thinking ports like Klaipėda, we are taking concrete steps toward a more sustainable shipping industry throughout Europe.”
The green methanol-powered vessel, which will transport containers to and from the Klaipėda Container Terminal, is 148 metres long and has a nominal capacity of 1,260 TEU. It will operate on the following route: Rotterdam–Antwerp–Klaipėda–Riga–Rotterdam.
In April of this year, X-Press Feeders and six European ports, including Klaipėda, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing 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, parties agreed to work together to further develop infrastructure for the provision and bunkering of alternative fuels such as green methanol. Adding the Port of Klaipėda to the green shipping route is a continuation of the cooperation agreement signed between Klaipėda Port and X-Press Feeders.
In July, X-Press Feeders launched Europe’s first scheduled feeder network in which the vessels are powered by green methanol.
Later, the company announced the launch of its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX).
Related: Singapore-based X-Press Feeders launches second green methanol-powered feeder route
Related: Singapore-based X-Press Feeders launches Europe’s first green methanol feeder network
Related: X-Press Feeders inks MoU with six European ports for green shipping corridors
Photo credit: Port of Klaipėda
Published: 18 September, 2024
