X-Press Feeders, a leading independent common carrier, has launched its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX). The route is part of Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol.

The GBX route will connect Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, Riga, and Rotterdam. The launch was made possible by the addition of the Eco-Umande, X-Press Feeders’ third dual-fuel vessel capable of operating on green methanol.

“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,” says 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.”

Green methanol is a sustainable marine fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 per cent compared to conventional fuels. X-Press Feeders is committed to using independently certified green methanol, sourced from renewable sources.

The GBX route is timely as the EU’s emissions trading scheme for maritime shipping came into effect in January 2024. The company is also preparing for the Fuel EU Maritime regulations, which will require a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

X-Press Feeders has partnered with several European ports, including Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, and HaminaKotka, to support the green methanol network. The company plans to further expand its network in Europe as it takes delivery of additional dual-fuel vessels.

X-Press Feeders ordered 14 dual-fuel vessels which it continues to take delivery of, so it plans to further expand its green methanol-powered network across Europe, providing more companies with the opportunity to achieve their sustainability goals through more sustainable shipping.

“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,” adds Goh.