Rotterdam, Singapore partner on emissions reductions

The world's two largest marine-fuels hubs, Singapore and Rotterdam, have agreed to work towards reducing emissions.

An initial agreement aims to establish a 'green corridor' between the two ports, with a target of seeing the first vessels fuelled by alternative, sustainable fuels plying the route by 2027.

The ports will work with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero-Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS), as well as industry partners, including Shell and BP, and shipping firms CMA CGM, Maersk and MSC, to encourage financing and trials. Beyond alternative propulsion methods, the ports will look to bring about greater transparency to the flow of goods by creating a 'digital trade lane', where knowledge and data is shared to optimise just-in-time arrival of vessels from port to port.

This is the latest in a series of 'green shipping corridors' established to encourage lower emissions between two or more ports, a move promoted by the Clydebank Declaration at the UN Cop 26 climate summit in Glasgow. The Global Maritime Forum subsequently released a study that modeled the potential impact of a corridor on the Australia-Japan iron ore route, suggesting that it would lead to a reduced, dedicated bulk carrier fleet.

The MMMCZCS committed to a long-term strategic partnership with the Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation in February, which included plans to explore green corridors. It has also looked into feasibility studies with several ports in northern Europe, including Rotterdam, to improve alternative marine fuel supply chains.

The ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai aim to have their own corridor functional by 2030.

By Jonah Sweeney