Rotterdam-Singapore Green Corridor Advances Decarbonization with Successful Bio-Methane Pilot

Rotterdam-Singapore Green Corridor Advances Decarbonization with Successful Bio-Methane Pilot

(IN BRIEF) The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) successfully completed its first pilot for bunkering mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane (LBM) at the Port of Rotterdam. Shell supplied 100 tonnes of LBM, made from waste-based feedstock, to CMA CGM’s LNG-powered containership, CMA CGM TIVOLI, as part of efforts to advance near-zero emission fuels. The pilot verified sustainability through mass balance tracking and compliance with EU regulations, with certification audited under the ISCC-EU framework. The GDSC, established in 2022, fosters global collaboration to decarbonize shipping and is exploring additional alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROTTERDAM, 28-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) has successfully conducted its first pilot project for bunkering mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane (LBM) at the Port of Rotterdam. On October 19, 2024, Shell supplied 100 tonnes of LBM, produced from waste-based feedstock, to CMA CGM’s LNG-powered containership, CMA CGM TIVOLI. This initiative underscores the corridor’s commitment to advancing near-zero emission fuels along one of the busiest global trade routes.

Fueling Decarbonization with Verified Sustainability

The pilot marked a milestone in the adoption of alternative marine fuels, with Shell providing a Proof of Sustainability certificate for the LBM, ensuring compliance with European Union regulations. The certification process, audited by third-party entities accredited under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification-European Union (ISCC-EU) framework, confirms the LBM’s adherence to renewable energy standards and maritime emissions regulations.

Advancing Mass Balance and Global Standards

Using a mass balance methodology, the project tracked the LBM through the supply chain to ensure compliance with EU and FuelEU Maritime regulations. This approach supports the development of consistent accounting methodologies aligned with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Additionally, the pilot enables CMA CGM to validate the recognition of mass-balanced LBM under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

A similar pilot, featuring full sustainability certification, is scheduled to take place at the Port of Singapore, further advancing the corridor’s decarbonization goals.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

Established in August 2022 by the Port of Rotterdam and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the GDSC aims to promote decarbonization and digitalization in global shipping. The initiative now includes 28 value-chain partners, encompassing shipping lines, fuel suppliers, port authorities, financial institutions, and academic organizations.

Working groups under the GDSC are exploring pathways for sustainable fuels, including bio-methane, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. Led by SEA-LNG, the bio-methane group is pivotal in accelerating the adoption of zero- and near-zero emission fuels, supporting the industry’s transition to greener alternatives.

This successful pilot highlights the potential of LBM as a viable, sustainable marine fuel and represents a key step toward decarbonizing global shipping operations.

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SOURCE: Port of Rotterdam