Driving global adoption of alternative fuels

In the next phase, the partners plan to conduct further studies and trials for the bunkering of bio-methane, methanol and ammonia to support their future use along the shipping corridor.

“By bringing together parties across the entire value chain, the Rotterdam-Singapore Green & Digital Shipping Corridor has helped to make first, valuable steps towards the decarbonisation of international shipping while also improving efficiency of trade and setting new industry standards,” said Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam.

Driving adoption

Since its inception in 2022, the joint initiative has united 28 industry partners to drive the adoption of alternative fuels along the 15,000-kilometre shipping route.

The goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions of large container vessels by 20-30% by 2030. 

To support the decarbonisation of shipping, the collaboration has focused on testing and accelerating the adoption of sustainable fuels, with the aim of making them available, accepted and affordable for large-scale use.

Emphasis is on bio and e-variants of ammonia, methanol and methane, with working groups established for each fuel type.

Since 2022, several first-mover pilot projects have been carried out, including the first successful bunkering of mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane at the Port of Rotterdam. A similar trial is planned in Singapore in 2025.

Other achievements include the completion of a Life Cycle greenhouse gas Assessment (LCA) of green ammonia as a marine fuel and strong support for the development and implementation of the Port Readiness Framework of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), which helps ports assess their preparedness to supply sustainable marine fuels.

On the digital front, both ports are enhancing real-time port-to-port data exchange to improve vessel scheduling. Additionally, automated ship-to-shore data submission is being tested to streamline port clearance procedures.