X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, 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 agreement signifies a joint commitment 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, X-Press Feeders and the participating ports will pool resources and expertise to develop and implement sustainable practices for maritime operations.
According to the agreement, the parties will work together to develop infrastructure for the provision and bunkering of alternative fuels, encourage the development of supply chains for fuels that are zero or near zero in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and provide training programs for port workers and seafarers regarding the handling of alternative fuels. Additionally, the partners are expected to leverage digital platforms to enhance port call optimization and have regular meetings to update and discuss progress on joint actions.
The collaboration between the parties will begin with the establishment of these two shipping routes:
- Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX): Rotterdam > Antwerp-Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam
- Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX): Rotterdam > Antwerp-Bruges > Helsinki > Tallinn > HaminaKotka > Rotterdam
These services are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and will be the first scheduled feeder routes in Europe powered by green methanol, an alternative fuel that produces at least 60% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional marine fuel.
