X-Press Feeders has launched 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.
This expansion follows the launch of the Green Finland X-Press (GFX) in July and marks another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping.
The GBX began operations on 23 August, offering services between the following ports: Rotterdam > Antwerp-Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam.
Also read: X-Press launches methanol-powered feeder service from Rotterdam
Third dual-fuel ship
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. The new, highly fuel-efficient vessels incorporate the latest technology and advancements in ship design. Each vessel has a nominal TEU of 1260.
‘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, COO of X-Press Feeders. ‘The addition of the Eco-Umande to our fleet underscores our commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in the maritime industry.’
Green methanol
X-Press Feeders’ new feeder network is powered by green methanol, a sustainable marine fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 per cent, 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).
Also read: X-Press Feeders’ first methanol ship to sail from Rotterdam
ETS and FuelEU
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 FuelEU 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.
Also read: X-Press Feeders to bunker green methanol in Rotterdam
Rotterdam as base
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, and 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.
Fourteen vessels ordered
X-Press Feeders ordered fourteen 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.
Picture: The Eco-Umande is the company’s third dual-fuel ship that can operate on green methanol (photo by X-Press Feeders).
Also read: X-Press Feeders to fit two more ships with onboard carbon capture
