Short-sea container carrier company X-Press Feeders has launched a second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-Press (GBX), following delivery of its third methanol-powered vessel, ‘Eco-Umande’.
The GBX route serves the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges , Klaipeda and Riga. The Eco-Umande joins Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant as the company’s dual-fuel vessels capable of operating on green methanol, which X-Press Feeders says solidifies its leadership in sustainable maritime shipping. The new, fuel-efficient vessels incorporate the latest technology and advancements in ship design, and each has a nominal capacity of 1,260 TEU.
Francis Goh, COO X-Press Feeders said: “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. 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, which reduces GHG emissions by up to 65% 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 ETS for maritime shipping came into effect on 1 January 2024, encouraging shippers to adopt more sustainable practices. The Fuel EU Maritime regulations are set to begin in January 2025 and will require a reduction in GHG intensity of energy used on board ships.
The Port of Rotterdam will serve as the initial base for this network due to its infrastructure and capability to handle green methanol refuelling.
X-Press Feeders has ordered a total of 14 dual-fuel vessels to serve its 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.
Goh added: “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.”
Image: X-Press Feeders begins service with its third green methanol ship (source: X-Press Feeders)
