Page 260 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024
P. 260

ΤECHNOLOGY & SHIPBUILDING


          X-PRESS FEEDERS SIGNS MOU WITH          X-Press Feeders’ green methanol is sourced
          SIX EUROPEAN PORTS FOR GREEN            from fuel supplier OCI Global. Green methanol
          SHIPPING CORRIDORS                      is made from green hydrogen and the decom-
          X-Press Feeders signed a memorandum of under-  position of organic matter, such as waste and
          standing (MoU) with six European ports, namely   residues. OCI’s green methanol is independently
          the Port of Antwerp Bruges (Belgium), Port of   certified by the International Sustainability and
          Tallinn (Estonia), Port of Helsinki (Finland), Port of   Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association head-
          HaminaKotka (Finland), Freeport of Riga (Latvia),   quartered in Germany. The ISCC system pro-
          and Klaipeda Port (Lithuania) for the establish-  motes and verifies the sustainable production
          ment of green shipping corridors and the broader   of biomass, circular and bio-based materials and
          decarbonisation of the marine sector in Scandi-  renewables.
          navia and the Baltic Sea.
          Through this MoU, X-Press Feeders and the par-  A GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATION
          ticipating ports will pool resources and expertise  TO ADVANCE CNSL AS A SUSTAINABLE
          to develop and implement sustainable practices  MARINE FUEL
          for maritime operations.                In a groundbreaking collaboration with industry
          Under the MoU:                          giants such as maritime advisory organisation
                 •  Parties will work together to further   Lloyd’s Register FOBAS, engine manufacturer
                   develop infrastructure for the provi-  Wärtsilä, and biofuel supplier ACT Group, UECC
                   sion and bunkering of alternative fuels   is leading the charge in critically assessing and
                   such as green methanol,        evaluating a Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-
                 •  Encourage the development of supply   based biofuel.
                   chains for fuel that are zero or near   As part of this partnership, ACT Group cre-
                   zero in terms of greenhouse gas emis-  ated a CNSL-based biofuel known as FSI.100,
                   sions,                         demonstrating their commitment to innovation
                 •  Provide further training programmes   and sustainability. This was achieved through a
                   for port workers and seafarers with   rigorous development process, which included
                   regard to the handling of alternative   extensive engine testing and a meticulously con-
                   fuels, and                     trolled supply chain, earning the trust of UECC.
                 •  Leverage digital platforms to enhance   Following thorough testing on various blend
                   port call optimisation.        combinations, FSI.100 received approval from
                 •  Parties will have regular meetings   engine manufacturers as a 30% blend compo-
                   to update and discuss progress on   nent in an ISO 8217 DMA grade distillate fuel oil
                   actions for further developing green   to carry out sea trials, representing a significant
                   shipping corridors.            stride in the progression of sustainable marine
          The MoU underscores the collective dedication   fuels.
          to broader decarbonisation efforts within the   FSI.100 addresses concerns about the popu-
          maritime sector.                        larity and suitability of CNSL-based biofuels. It
          The collaboration between the parties will begin   also offers compelling advantages: a certified
          with the establishment of these two shipping   sustainable, fully controlled supply chain that
          routes:                                 ensures traceability and accountability from the
                 •  Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX): Rotter-  point of origin to extraction, conversion, and
                   dam > Antwerp Bruges > Klaipeda >   consumption. This approach enhances confi-
                   Riga > Rotterdam               dence in CNSL-derived marine fuels, reduces
                 •  Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX): Rot-  waste, and promotes resource efficiency,
                   terdam > Antwerp Bruges > Helsinki   aligning with circular economy principles in the
                   > Tallinn > HaminaKotka > Rotterdam  maritime sector. Additionally, FSI.100 utilises
                                                  sustainable land use practices and exhibits
          These services are scheduled to commence in   high-quality maritime fuel properties, such as
          Q3 2024, marking a significant step towards   ultra-low sulfur and winter spec pour points. It
          more environmentally sustainable shipping ser-  also delivers significant greenhouse gas savings,
          vices in Europe. This development is significant   with well-to-wake emissions reductions of 90%
          as these will be the very first scheduled feeder   (9.50gCO2eq/MJ) compared to conventional
          routes in Europe powered by green methanol,   maritime fuels.
          an alternative fuel that produces at least 60%   The joint efforts between UECC, LR FOBAS,
          less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional   Wärtsilä, and  ACT Group have resulted in
          marine fuel.                            structured and phased processes that include


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