X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has once again taken a significant step forward in sustainable shipping by launching its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX). This new service, which began operations on August 23, is part of Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered entirely by green methanol, reflecting the company’s strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly shipping practices.
The Green Baltic X-PRESS Route
The GBX route offers services between key ports across Northern Europe, including:
- Rotterdam
- Antwerp-Bruges
- Klaipeda
- Riga
- Rotterdam
This expansion follows the successful launch of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) route in July and further solidifies X-Press Feeders’ leadership in adopting sustainable marine technologies. The GBX route’s introduction was made possible with the deployment of the Eco-Umande, a dual-fuel container ship specifically retrofitted to run on green methanol. The Eco-Umande joins Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant in X-Press Feeders’ growing fleet of vessels capable of operating on both traditional fuels and green methanol.
The First Methanol Dual-Fuel Retrofit Container Ship
The Eco-Umande is notable for being the first container ship to undergo a methanol dual-fuel retrofit. Originally designed with methanol readiness in mind, the vessel was upgraded by SUMEC Marine in collaboration with Pacific Ocean Engineering (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd. This retrofit is a testament to the rapid advancements in decarbonization and the growing demand for green methanol as a viable marine fuel. Equipped with a MAN Energy Solutions 5S50ME methanol dual-fuel engine, the Eco-Umande has a capacity of 1,260 TEU and measures 148 meters in length, 27.2 meters in width, and 14.3 meters in depth.
Green Methanol: Powering the Future of Shipping
Green methanol is a renewable fuel derived from organic waste and residues, offering up to a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. X-Press Feeders’ use of green methanol is independently certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in Europe, ensuring that their operations meet the highest standards of sustainability.
The launch of the GBX route comes at a crucial time for the shipping industry. With the EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping now in effect, and the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations set to begin in 2025, there is increased pressure on shippers to adopt low-carbon solutions. By leading the charge with green methanol-powered vessels, X-Press Feeders is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable maritime transport, setting a strong example for the industry.
A Strategic Network and the Role of Ports
The Port of Rotterdam has been selected as the base for the GBX network, thanks to its advanced infrastructure for green methanol refueling. Additionally, X-Press Feeders has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with major ports across Europe, including Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, and HaminaKotka, to further promote the adoption of green methanol in shipping operations.
Looking ahead, X-Press Feeders has 14 methanol dual-fuel container ships on order from various shipyards in China, signaling a strong commitment to expanding its green fleet.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Driving Maritime Sustainability
At VURDHAAN, we are inspired by X-Press Feeders’ proactive approach to sustainable shipping and see this as a perfect example of how the industry is embracing green innovations. Our consultancy specializes in guiding maritime stakeholders through the complexities of decarbonization, helping them navigate regulations like the EU MRV, FuelEU Maritime, and more.
Through our tailored support, education, and implementation services, we empower shipping companies to integrate sustainable fuels such as bioLNG, bioMethane, and green methanol into their operations. As the maritime sector accelerates toward a low-carbon future, VURDHAAN is proud to be at the forefront of supporting transformative initiatives that reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability.
Sailing Toward a Greener Future
The launch of the Green Baltic X-PRESS route is more than just a new service—it represents a significant shift towards a more sustainable future for global shipping. As X-Press Feeders continues to expand its green methanol-powered network, the company is setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly operations, demonstrating that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
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