Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand on Wednesday (5 February) said an investment of up to CAD 22.5 million (USD 15.7 million) has been granted to Halifax Port Authority from Transport Canada to prepare the port for future bunker fuels and energy sources.

The investment includes CAD 22.5 million to accelerate development of the Halifax – Hamburg green shipping corridor. 

Initiatives under this segment include preparing to host and potentially refuel alternative fuel-powered vessels, establishing a hydrogen production facility and electrifying port equipment to reduce emissions. 

The remaining CAD 2.5 million will be used for the Ship to Shore Crane Infrastructure project, under the National Trade Corridors fund, to relieve supply chain congestion, expand terminal capacity, and increase speed and efficiency when servicing larger vessels at the Port of Halifax.

“Our ports are essential to global trade and to Canada’s economy. By investing in green shipping corridors, supply chain infrastructure, and clean technologies, we’re taking decisive action to reduce emissions,” Anita Anand said. 

“Together, we’re building a sustainable future for transportation, while supporting jobs and driving economic growth in Nova Scotia and beyond.”

Photo credit: Transport Canada
Published: 10 February, 2025

Viking Line, Port of Turku and Ports of Stockholm on Thursday (6 February) said they have now laid a solid foundation for a green shipping corridor project and developed a clear plan for a common way forward.

This comes after working together for a year on the project which aims to establish a green, fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku. 

On the anniversary on 6 February, the parties and a large number of invited stakeholders gathered for an open seminar in Turku, Finland. Results, experiences, challenges and opportunities were discussed based on the common goal of establishing a green maritime corridor between Stockholm and Turku by 2035.

Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm, said: “We are very pleased with the cooperation and the work done during the first year.”

“We have been investing in onshore power supply infrastructure for ships for many years and Viking Line is one of the pioneers. Now we are further sharpening our goals together with the other parties to establish a fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku.”

Jan Hanses, CEO Viking Line, said: “We are proud to be part of this important co-operation project for a cleaner Baltic Sea. Our most significant investment so far is to offer all our passengers and freight customers biofuel for transport between Stockholm and Turku, reducing emissions for their journeys by 90%.”

“In addition, a possible battery installation and Elogrids, which reduces energy consumption, are important elements of our work in the coming years.”

Elogrids is a grid system installed on the ship's hull to reduce resistance and improve fuel efficiency. It optimises water flow and reduces turbulence, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Erik Söderholm, CEO Port of Turku, said: “A green shipping corridor gives us the opportunity to promote sustainable development and reduce the environmental impact of shipping.”

“During the past year, we have started more detailed planning of measures related to the green shipping corridor, such as updating our carbon footprint calculation and preparing for the development of charging stations for heavy traffic.”

During the first year, the parties have identified and prioritised the most important goals and measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in shipping. 

A clear project plan with activities has been developed, including:

Viking Line

• Pre-study of battery installation on Viking Grace and Viking Glory
• Installing Elogrids on the vessels
• Increase sales of biogas supplements for transport between Stockholm and Turku

Port of Turku

• Study and pilot project for onshore power supply at the quay
• Zero emissions from Viking Line vessels at berth
• Guidelines and incentives for port operators for zero emissions
• In collaboration with external actors, develop concepts that link the green shipping corridor with sustainable transport from and to the port on land
• Opportunity for shipping companies to bunker sustainable fuels

Ports of Stockholm

• Zero emissions from Viking Line vessels at the quayside
• In collaboration with external actors, develop concepts that link the green shipping corridor with sustainable transport from and to the port on land
• Opportunity for shipping companies to bunker fossil-free fuels

Photo credit: Ports of Stockholm
Published: 7 February, 2025

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZC) on Friday (13 December) announced its partnership with the Government of Republic of the Philippines to develop green shipping corridors in the country. 

The collaboration was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, and Department of Transportation - Philippines Deputy Minister Elmer Francisco Sarmiento. 

A Letter of Intent was signed for a pre-feasibility project to establish a green corridor in the Philippines.

This milestone underscores a shared commitment to decarbonizing maritime transport and fostering sustainable growth in the Philippines. 

The initiative aims to promote low- and zero-emission fuels and technologies, support key industries such as inter-island passenger transport, tourism, fishing, mining, agriculture, and export-driven sectors, and strengthen the local workforce and economy while aligning with global climate goals. 

Photo credit: Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Published: 16 December, 2024