Eco-Umande Joins Fleet as Third Dual-Fuel Vessel, Enhancing Sustainable Shipping in the Baltics
Rotterdam, Netherlands, 23 August 2024 – X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, has officially launched its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX), further expanding Europe’s first scheduled feeder network driven by green methanol. This development follows the successful introduction of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) in July, marking another milestone in the company’s ambitious sustainability efforts.
The GBX route, which begins operations today, will link the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, and Riga, providing a crucial connection between these key Baltic ports. This new route was made possible by the addition of the Eco-Umande, the third dual-fuel vessel to join X-Press Feeders’ growing fleet. The Eco-Umande, like its sister ships, Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant, is capable of operating on green methanol—a sustainable marine fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
“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,” said Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders. “The addition of the Eco-Umande to our fleet underscores our commitment to innovation and decarbonization in the maritime industry.”
The use of green methanol, which can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%, positions X-Press Feeders as a leader in sustainable maritime shipping. This renewable energy source is produced from organic matter such as waste and residues, and the green methanol used by the company is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in Europe.
The timing of the GBX route launch aligns with increasing regulatory pressures in the EU to adopt more sustainable shipping practices. With the EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping having come into effect earlier this year, and the upcoming Fuel EU Maritime regulations set to begin in January 2025, X-Press Feeders is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for greener shipping options.
Rotterdam will serve as the initial base for this network, given its advanced infrastructure and capability to handle green methanol refueling. X-Press Feeders has also signed memoranda of understanding with several other key ports, including Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, and HaminaKotka, to promote and support this green methanol-powered network across the Baltic region.
Looking ahead, X-Press Feeders plans to expand its green methanol-powered network further across Europe, with more dual-fuel vessels expected to be delivered soon. This expansion will provide more companies with sustainable shipping options, helping them to achieve their environmental goals while supporting the global push towards decarbonization.
“X-Press Feeders is dedicated to being at the forefront of sustainable shipping, and the launch of the Green Baltic X-PRESS represents another step in our journey toward decarbonizing the maritime industry,” added Goh.
