The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (25 September) said the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) has expanded its membership, welcoming Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd (SLNG) and Gate terminal B.V. as its newest partners.

MPA said this addition brought the total number of consortium members to 28, marking a significant milestone for the GDSC on its second anniversary.

“Coinciding with this growth, GDSC has released a joint publication highlighting the potential demand for green fuels to grow to be approximately 5 million metric tonnes (mt) by 2028,” MPA said in a social media post.

“This forecast underscores the urgent need for action to meet the growing demand for sustainable fuels in the maritime sector.”

The recent bi-annual stakeholder workshop, co-hosted by MPA and the Port of Rotterdam, focused on implementing net-zero fuel pilots and projects to address this projected demand. Key discussion points included:

• Developing mechanisms to close the cost gap
• Creating harmonised bunkering and safety standards
• Strengthening sustainability certification and GHG emissions monitoring

“These efforts aim to align with the corridor's emissions reduction targets and support the transition to greener shipping practices,” MPA added.

Manifold Times recently reported the potential demand for sustainable variants of methane and methanol for container vessels on the Rotterdam-Singapore route could reach up to 5 million mt per year in 2028 based on current order books.

The GDSC aims to reduce emissions from large container vessels on the 15,000-kilometre route by at least 20% by 2030 by enabling the use of low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels. 

Related: Green bunker fuel demand on Rotterdam-Singapore could reach 5 mil mt by 2028

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 26 September, 2024 

Based on current order books, the potential demand for sustainable variants of methane and methanol for container vessels on the Rotterdam-Singapore route could reach up to 5 million metric tonnes (mt) per year in 2028.

This was according to the Port of Rotterdam on Wednesday (18 September) when it released a report titled Demand potential for alternative fuels on the Rotterdam-Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor.

However, affordability and availability still needs to be improved to enable the switch to sustainable fuels.

The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor aims to reduce emissions from large container vessels on the 15,000-kilometre route by at least 20% by 2030 by enabling the use of low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels. 

The project is supported by 25 partners including Maritime and Port Authority Of Singapore, operating more than 90 large container vessels on the route, with a combined transport capacity of 1.5 million containers (TEU) per year.

Multiple fuels are currently under development to enable low or zero-carbon sailing of large container vessels. Bio-based and synthetic (e-) variants of methanol and methane are currently the frontrunners in this development, with ammonia and hydrogen expected to follow in the coming years. 

Based on current order books, partners in the Green Corridor will operate more than 200 vessels by 2028 which are capable of using bio- or e-versions of methane or methanol.

Current order books consist of dual-fuel vessels, capable of sailing on either methane or methanol, and fuel oil. This means pricing mechanisms and the availability of fuels remain key drivers of actual demand for sustainable methane and methanol.

Sustainable fuels are estimated to be two to three times more expensive than fossil fuels and could account for a significant portion of the total cost of ownership for container vessels. This makes it difficult for shipping companies to commit to long-term offtake agreements, thereby hampering investments from suppliers in new production facilities.

To address this “chicken-and-egg” problem, international bodies such as the European Union and the International Maritime Organization can play a role to spur production of sustainable fuels by helping to match demand and supply. This could be similar to the marketplace mechanisms used by the European Hydrogen Bank but tailored specifically to bridge shipping fuels.

In addition, the Port of Rotterdam and MPA, are also working to increase the acceptability and up-take of sustainable fuels by providing a clear safety and operational framework for ships looking to bunker at port.

Note: The report titled ‘Demand potential for alternative fuels on the Rotterdam-Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor’ can be read here. 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 23 September, 2024 

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