The Sweden-Belgium Green Shipping Corridor has just received a significant boost with the inclusion of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This initiative, originally a collaboration between the Port of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, and DFDS, aims to pioneer a near-zero emission transport route. By 2030, the corridor expects to operate two ammonia-fueled roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, significantly advancing its green ambitions.
The corridor stretches an impressive 2,500 kilometers, linking Sweden and Belgium, and potentially connecting 11 European countries. This network encompasses sea, land, and rail routes from Norway in the north to Spain in the south, with the ports of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, and Antwerp-Bruges serving as key transportation hubs and industrial activity centers.
The vision for this green corridor is ambitious. The inclusion of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges amplifies the project’s commitment to decarbonizing maritime transport. The collaboration aims to have at least two DFDS ammonia-fueled vessels operational by 2030. These vessels are part of DFDS’s broader goal to deploy six low- and near-zero-emission vessels by the same year.
But the green efforts don’t stop at sea. The corridor will also incorporate electric trucks and rail transport on land, alongside onshore power supplies for vessels at the ports. The ports are stepping up their efforts to facilitate electric terminal operations and enable safe ammonia bunkering, ensuring a holistic approach to reducing emissions.
Moreover, the partners are exploring ways to generate significant amounts of renewable electricity to support these initiatives. The integration of ammonia-fueled vessels with electric transport and renewable energy sources highlights the comprehensive nature of the green corridor’s strategy.
The original memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 between the three initial partners laid the foundation for this expansive project. The addition of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges reinforces the coalition’s commitment to creating a scalable, decarbonized shipping corridor.
DFDS has applied for funding to support the construction of four ammonia-fueled vessels. If the funding is approved, the project, which includes port electrification, could cut 328,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually. This reduction represents approximately 11% of DFDS’s scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023 levels.
The enthusiasm among the project’s leaders is palpable. Luc Arnouts, VP International Networks at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the port’s dedication to prioritizing green operations. “DFDS, an important operator with a daily roll-on/roll-off freight service to Gothenburg, will contribute to our ambition towards climate-neutral transport,” he stated.
Patrik Benrick, Head of Strategic Development & Innovation at the Port of Gothenburg, “The Port of Gothenburg is already in the early stages of developing operating regulations for a safe and efficient handling and bunkering of ammonia propelled vessels. We are also working on establishing an ammonia value chain, with the purpose of being able to facilitate everything needed for ammonia propelled vessels calling and bunkering in the port on a regular basis in 2030 and beyond.”
Jacob Andersen, Vice President, North Sea at DFDS, “This is a testament to our ambitions and commitment to play an active role in the green transition. We expect this to be the world’s first green corridor for Ro-Ro cargo vessels running on near-zero emission ammonia fuel. This transition will not be possible without collaboration. We are working together with more than 50 partners to realise this project which will contribute to a more sustainable future for European shipping, and the ports are a key part of this.”
North Sea Port CEO Daan Schalck : “I’m very happy to see our original initiative develop into a wider network and I am committed to build further on our collaborative experience. The Belgian Swedish Green Corridor is an important milestone towards decarbonizing the logistics sector and delivering on European resilience. It goes beyond the typical high-level language and includes concrete pledges on which we as a port together with our clients and stakeholders want to deliver.”
The Sweden-Belgium Green Shipping Corridor is setting a precedent in green maritime logistics, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can lead to significant environmental advancements.
