X-Press Feeders Introduces New Green Methanol-Powered Shipping Route

X-Press Feeders, the world's largest independent common carrier, has launched its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX). This new route is part of Europe's pioneering feeder network operating on green methanol. The GBX route began operations on August 23, linking the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, Riga, and returning to Rotterdam. This expansion follows the successful introduction of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) in July and represents a significant step in X-Press Feeders' commitment to sustainable shipping practices.

The launch of the GBX route is supported by the addition of the Eco-Umande, a third dual-fuel vessel that joins the Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant in X-Press Feeders' fleet. The Eco-Umande is notable for being the first methanol dual-fuel retrofit container ship. Originally designed with a methanol fuel reserve, the vessel was retrofitted to dual-fuel capability due to the rapid advancement in marine methanol fuel technology. The retrofit was executed by SUMEC Marine through Pacific Ocean Engineering (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd. The Eco-Umande, measuring 148 meters in length, 27.2 meters in width, and 14.3 meters in depth, is equipped with a MAN Energy Solutions 5S50ME methanol dual-fuel engine. Each of these vessels has a capacity of 1,260 TEU.

The GBX route operates using green methanol, a renewable marine fuel that can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to traditional fuels. This methanol is produced from organic matter, including waste and residues, and is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in Europe.

The timing of the GBX launch aligns with the European Union’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping, which began on January 1, 2024, and promotes sustainable practices. Additionally, the Fuel EU Maritime regulations set to start in January 2025 will require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from shipboard energy. The Port of Rotterdam has been selected as the initial base for this network due to its green methanol refueling infrastructure. X-Press Feeders has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with several ports, including Antwerp Bruges, Klaipeda in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Helsinki, and HaminaKotka in Finland, to further promote green methanol-powered shipping. The company has 14 methanol dual-fuel container ships on order from various Chinese shipyards.

Established in 1972, X-Press Feeders has become the world's largest independent feeder carrier. The company’s mission is to deliver superior feeder solutions and to be the preferred choice in feeder carriers. Emphasizing its role as "The Global Common Carrier," X-Press Feeders aims to offer the most reliable and cost-effective service solutions to meet its customers' feedering requirements.