The Port of Klaipėda has solidified its reputation as one of Europe’s most advanced seaports in environmental protection with a new milestone in sustainable shipping. Singapore’s shipping company X-Press Feeders has officially added the Port of Klaipėda to its green shipping route, which will be served by container ships powered by green methanol. This achievement was marked by the arrival of Eco Umande, a vessel powered by this eco-friendly fuel, which entered Klaipėda Port for the first time.
The Eco Umande will now call at Klaipėda every two weeks, ushering in a new era of environmentally conscious shipping for the region. The use of green methanol in maritime transportation is a significant step toward reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
A Historic Moment for the Port of Klaipėda
Speaking on this significant event, Algis Latakas, CEO of the Port of Klaipėda Authority, noted, “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 symbolizes 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.”
With this development, Klaipėda joins a select group of forward-thinking European ports that are leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of maritime activities. Ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and now Klaipėda, are playing pivotal roles in the transition to greener maritime operations, as more shipping companies embrace sustainable fuels like green methanol.
X-Press Feeders’ Commitment to Sustainability
Founded over 50 years ago in Singapore, X-Press Feeders operates a global network of services across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Europe. Unlike traditional shipping companies, X-Press Feeders does not own, lease, or operate containers, focusing instead on providing efficient transportation services to container operators.
Today, the company manages a fleet of over 100 vessels, with capacities ranging from 700 to 7,000 TEUs. Committed to sustainability, X-Press Feeders has begun integrating dual-fuel vessels into its fleet, with the ability to run on green methanol. The Eco Umande is one of three such vessels currently in operation, and the company plans to have 14 dual-fuel vessels by 2026.
Francis Goh, COO of X-Press Feeders, commented, “At X-Press Feeders, we are committed to advancing sustainable shipping practices. 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.”
Eco Umande: A Green Shipping Leader
The Eco Umande, which will be regularly transporting containers to and from the Klaipėda Container Terminal, is a state-of-the-art vessel measuring 148 meters in length with a nominal capacity of 1,260 TEU. It operates on the Rotterdam–Antwerp–Klaipėda–Riga–Rotterdam route, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions along key European trade corridors.
Vaidotas Šileika, CEO of Klaipėda Container Terminal, emphasized the port’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “One of our company’s strategic directions is sustainability, which is why we are actively investing in various solutions that help reduce CO2 emissions. We are acquiring environmentally friendly equipment, optimizing cargo handling processes, and using energy-efficient solutions to minimize environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically responsible port operation. We are pleased that this year, large cargo ships powered by LNG are increasingly arriving at our terminal, LNG bunkering operations have already been carried out, and today we are welcoming the green methanol-powered vessel Eco Umande.”
Building Green Shipping Corridors
In April 2024, X-Press Feeders and six European ports, including Klaipėda, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing to accelerating the establishment of green shipping corridors and promoting decarbonization in the maritime sector, particularly in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea. This MOU is part of a broader effort to develop infrastructure for alternative fuels like green methanol, hydrogen, and electricity.
Adding Klaipėda to the green shipping route is a direct outcome of this collaboration. These green shipping corridors focus on reducing the environmental impact of shipping by using alternative fuels and advanced technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise, and other harmful environmental effects.
About X-Press Feeders
Founded in Singapore, X-Press Feeders is a leading global feeder service provider with a fleet of over 100 vessels, operating in markets worldwide. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company is at the forefront of integrating green methanol into its operations, helping to shape the future of environmentally friendly maritime transport.
With the arrival of the Eco Umande, the Port of Klaipėda takes a major step forward in its quest to become one of Europe’s leading green ports, fully aligned with international efforts to create a more sustainable shipping industry.
About Port of Klaipėda
The Port of Klaipėda is Lithuania’s largest and most important seaport, playing a crucial role in the Baltic Sea region’s maritime and logistics networks. As one of the most advanced ports in Europe, Klaipėda handles over 46 million tons of cargo annually, facilitating trade between Western Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. It boasts a deep-water harbor capable of accommodating large vessels and offers year-round ice-free operations. The port is a leader in environmental sustainability, implementing green initiatives such as shore power systems, LNG bunkering, and now, green methanol-powered shipping routes. With connections to over 600 ports worldwide, the Port of Klaipėda is a vital hub for both regional and international shipping.
Source Port of Klaipeda