Methanol

Singapore-based X-Press Feeders launches second green methanol-powered feeder route

Firm expanded Europe’s first green methanol-powered feeder network, launched in July, with the launch of Green Baltic X-PRESS, which commenced operations on 23 August.

Published

7 months ago

August 23, 2024

Admin

Singapore-based X-Press Feeders launches second green methanol-powered feeder route

Singapore-based global maritime container shipping company X-Press Feeders on Friday (23 August) announced the launch of its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX).

It is part of Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol. The expansion follows the successful launch of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) in July and marked another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping.

The Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) commenced operations on 23 August, offering services between the following ports:

Rotterdam > Antwerp-Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam

The introduction of the GBX route was made possible because X-Press Feeders has received a third dual-fuel ship, the Eco-Umande. This vessel joins Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant as part of the company’s dual-fuel fleet capable of operating on green methanol, solidifying X-Press Feeders’ leadership in sustainable maritime shipping. These new, highly fuel-efficient vessels incorporate the latest technology and advancements in ship design. Each vessel has a nominal TEU of 1,260.

“Building on the momentum of our first green methanol-powered route, we are excited to launch the Green Baltic X-PRESS, expanding our feeder network powered by green methanol and providing more sustainable shipping options to our customers,” says Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders. “The addition of the Eco-Umande to our fleet underscores our commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in the maritime industry.”

X-Press Feeders’ new feeder network is powered by green methanol, a sustainable marine fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 percent, in terms of main engine propulsion, when using green methanol instead of conventional fuels. Green methanol is a renewable energy source produced from the decomposition of organic matter, such as waste and residues. The green methanol that X-Press Feeders is using is independently certified in Europe under ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification).

The launch of the GBX route is particularly timely as the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping came into effect on 1 January this year, encouraging shippers to adopt more sustainable practices. Additionally, the Fuel EU Maritime regulations are set to begin in January 2025 and will require a reduction in the greenhouse gas emission intensity of energy used on board ships.

The Port of Rotterdam will be serving as the initial base for this network due to its infrastructure and capability to handle green methanol refuelling. The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the ports of: Antwerp Bruges, Klaipeda in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Helsinki and HaminaKotka in Finland to promote shipping powered by green methanol. These partnerships play a crucial role in supporting this innovative network and ensuring seamless, sustainable logistics across the region.

X-Press Feeders ordered 14 dual-fuel vessels which it continues to take delivery of, so it plans to further expand its green methanol-powered network across Europe, providing more companies with the opportunity to achieve their sustainability goals through more sustainable shipping.

“X-Press Feeders is dedicated to being at the forefront of sustainable shipping, and the launch of the Green Baltic X-PRESS represents another step in our journey toward decarbonising the maritime industry,” adds Goh.

Photo credit: X-Press Feeders
Published: 23 August 2024

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Alternative Fuels

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

Under a renewed MoU with MPA, CMA CGM also plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group on Tuesday (18 December) said they have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation including in the area of alternative bunker fuels.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

This move reinforces Singapore's position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company's goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly USD 20 billion to order LNG and methanol powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative fuel vessels under the Singapore flag. With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials.

Notably, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early March 2025, marking an important step in CMA CGM’s efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives.

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near zero emission marine fuels.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: "This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem."

Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, added, "I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM.”

“Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”

The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore's position as a premier maritime hub.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 19 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-based AAL Shipping says it held a naming ceremony for “AAL Dubai” – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai.

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025

4.15 mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in February, a drop from 4.51 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

Published

6 days ago

March 14, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port decreased by 8.1% on year in February 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.15 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,145,110 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in February, a drop from 4.51 million mt (4,509,330 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in February (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+1.3% from 1.60 million mt), 2.07 million mt (-18.8% from 2.55 million mt), zero (from zero), 8,900 mt (-38.2% from 14,400 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in February (against on year) recorded respectively 22,100 mt (+100% from zero), 85,000 mt (+444.9% from 15,600 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition, B100, recorded 3,800 mt in February 2025.

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 30,000 mt (11.5% from 26,900) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below: