X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has launched Europe’s first scheduled feeder network where vessels are powered by green methanol, a sustainable marine fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%. The industry milestone coincided with naming and christening ceremony in Rotterdam of X-Press Feeders first dual-fuel methanol-powered vessel.
The newly christened vessel, named Eco-Maestro, is the first of 14 dual-fuel vessels X-Press Feeders has on order. X-Press Feeders plans to deploy these vessels mostly on routes in Europe, creating Europe’s first feeder network powered by green methanol.
The initiative aligns with the EU’s implementation this year of an emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping, which encourages shippers to use more sustainable shipping channels. Fuel EU Maritime regulations, starting in January 2025, will also mandate a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity from energy used onboard ships.
X-Press Feeders’ first methanol-powered feeder network offers the following services:
- Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Helsinki > Tallinn > HaminaKotka > Rotterdam
- Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX): Rotterdam > Antwerp Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam
Green bio-methanol is a more sustainable fuel because it is produced from the decomposition of organic matter, such as waste and residues.
X-Press Feeders uses green methanol that is independently certified in Europe under ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification). The company selected the Port of Rotterdam as the base for Europe’s first feeder network powered by green methanol because Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and is fully equipped to handle green methanol refueling.
This milestone is also the result of extensive collaboration between X-Press Feeders and several key partners, including the ports of Antwerp Bruges, HaminaKotka, Helsinki, Klaipeda, Riga, and Tallinn. These partnerships are crucial for supporting the methanol-powered feeder network and ensuring seamless, sustainable logistics across the region.
“Today marks a significant milestone in sustainable shipping in Europe because companies here now have a regular scheduled network that can ship goods in a way that has less impact on the environment, helping companies to better achieve their sustainability goals,” says X-Press Feeders Chief Operating Officer, Francis Goh.
“X-Press Feeders chose northern Europe for the first routes in the network because we found that customers in this part of Europe were most receptive to our plans for sustainable shipping,” he adds.
“We plan to steadily expand the green network across Europe as we take delivery of our dual-fuel vessels,” he continues. Eco-Maestro is the first vessel to join the network, with the second dual-fuel vessel expected to join by Q3 2024.
“X-Press Feeders is committed to playing a vital role in decarbonizing the maritime industry and being at the forefront of innovation and sustainability,” he concludes.
About X-Press Feeders
X-Press Feeders, established in 1972, is the world’s largest independent common carrier. Initially focused on Southeast Asia, we’ve expanded globally, operating across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
With a fleet exceeding 100 vessels, including over 40 owned vessels, and an annual throughput surpassing 6 million TEUs in 2022, our success is driven by our dedicated staff of 400 across key global locations. At X-Press Feeders, our collective aim is to deliver top-notch network, schedules, and solutions to our customers.
Source X-Press Feeders