The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) achieved a major milestone recently, successfully conducting a bunkering pilot for mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane at Rotterdam port. On October 19, 2024, Shell supplied 100 tonnes of this low-emission fuel to CMA CGM’s LNG-powered containership, CMA CGM TIVOLI, marking a significant step toward greener shipping solutions.
Liquefied bio-methane, produced from waste-based feedstock, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels. This pilot demonstrated its potential to reduce emissions along one of the world’s most critical shipping trade routes. In an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint, such innovation feels like a breath of fresh air—or perhaps a cleaner wave through turbulent waters.
A critical element of the trial was Shell’s issuance of a Proof of Sustainability certificate. This document ensures compliance with European Union regulations and reflects the fuel’s eco-credentials. The certificate is set to be audited by accredited third parties under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification-European Union (ISCC-EU) standards, adding an extra layer of transparency and trust.
What does this mean for the maritime world? It’s not just about ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about driving tangible change in how shipping operates globally. With liquefied bio-methane bunkering planned at the Port of Singapore, the GDSC is clearly committed to replicating this success across its entire corridor.
It’s a bold, forward-looking move in an industry where change often moves at the pace of a container ship at sea. The adoption of near-zero emission fuels along such a vital route signals more than just compliance—it suggests a genuine shift in priorities toward sustainability.
