Methanol and shore power recipe to unlock Newcastle – Amsterdam green shipping corridor

Given the growing zest for specific routes where vessels employ low-emission propulsion, a new study has assessed the technical and commercial feasibility of introducing a green shipping corridor between Newcastle and Amsterdam. Based on the findings, the adoption of methanol and onshore power supply as alternative future fuels for vessels operating between the Port of Tyne – Port of IJmuiden shipping route could pave the way for huge cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The study, led by Ricardo, an environmental, energy, and engineering consultancy, said to be at the forefront of maritime decarbonization, found major reductions in emissions with the adoption of methanol, reducing GHG by 70%, and onshore power supply, slashing emissions by an additional 10-15%. It is believed that battery storage could be adopted to support energy demand.

Matt Moss, Ricardo Maritime Sustainable Transport Consultant, highlighted: “Green shipping corridors represent a viable alternative to traditional carbon-heavy fuels, in an industry that is considered hard to decarbonise. The Port of Tyne – Port of IJmuiden route is not only a suitable candidate for the world’s first green shipping corridor but will also inform similar projects throughout Europe.”

The study also showed significant financial savings, primarily through avoiding regulatory penalties, which would help to offset any needed investment in new technology. A new report has found that adopting methanol as the primary fuel for voyages between the Port of Tyne, Newcastle, and Port of IJmuiden, Amsterdam could avoid up to £420 million in future regulatory costs and deliver an 80% reduction in GHG emissions.

Tjeerd van der Voorn, Zeehaven Ijmuiden N.V. – Port of Ijmuiden’s CEO,underscored: “Transforming the Tyne–IJmuiden route into one of the world’s first green shipping corridors fits seamlessly with our ambition to develop Energy Port IJmuiden.

“This project has strengthened collaboration across ports, operators, engineers and public bodies, and the support of Innovate UK and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency has been instrumental. With methanol-powered vessels and onshore power, we are taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, future-ready North Sea connection.”

The report’s findings were validated by the primary ferry operator between the ports, DFDS’ own internal analysis, which supported the economic feasibility of transitioning the Tyne- IJmuiden route to alternative fuels. The ferry operator plans to invest in alternative fuel-powered vessels for the corridor.

Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne’s CEO, whowelcomed the study’s results as another important step toward establishing a North Sea green shipping corridor, underlined: “We have a vision to achieve a net zero port operation, supported by an e-fuels hub, alongside a thriving ferry route to the continent for both passengers and freight.

“The transition to a cleaner future will only happen through genuine collaboration right across the maritime value chain. This report’s findings give us confidence that green shipping is within reach and that the North East can be at the forefront of the change.”

The Port of Tyne – Port of IJmuiden study was part-funded by the UK government’s maritime decarbonization project program, UK SHORE, which aims to reduce emissions, fuel innovation, and create new jobs in the industry.

The UK government announced the biggest government investment ever in the UK commercial maritime sector in March 2022, allocating £206 million to UK SHORE within the Department for Transport focused on decarbonizing the maritime sector.

As a result, this program is delivering a suite of interventions throughout 2022-2025 aimed at accelerating the design, manufacture, and operation of UK-made clean maritime technologies and unlocking an industry-led transition to net zero.

The UK SHORE program includes the flagship multi-year ‘Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC),’ which provides match-funding to help bring pre-commercial technologies closer to market readiness.

With this in mind, CMDC5: IGCF allocated £1.5 million for feasibility studies that examine green corridor routes between the UK and international partner countries between 2024 and 2025. This follows the successful first four rounds of the CMDC, which allocated over £128 million to 138 projects.

Teun-Wim Leene, DFDS Amsterdam-Newcastle Route Manager, noted:“Our ambition is to decarbonise maritime transport along the Amsterdam–Newcastle corridor. This includes investing in new vessels and collaborating with partners to accelerate infrastructure development and the production of low-emission fuels which is crucial for a successful transition.” 

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