The Green Shipping Corridor project, initially established by the Port of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, and DFDS, is expanding its green ambitions by including the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This new partnership aims to enhance the project’s goal of providing a near-zero-emission door-to-door transport corridor, strengthening the commitment to decarbonizing maritime transport between Sweden and Belgium.
In 2022, the initial trio signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a scalable solution for decarbonizing the shipping corridor between Sweden and Belgium. The inclusion of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges further solidifies this commitment, enhancing the infrastructure necessary for supporting low-emission shipping and promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
Geographical and Operational Scope
The Green Shipping Corridor spans 2,500 kilometers from the northernmost to the southernmost points of the route, connecting 11 European countries via sea, land, and rail routes. It aims to establish a near-zero-emission transport network, crucially involving the ports of Gothenburg, North Sea Port, and Antwerp-Bruges as transportation hubs and industrial activity centers.
Port of Antwerp Bruges fully endorses the efforts of its customers and partners in prioritizing the greening of operations both at sea and on land. DFDS, an important operator with a daily roll-on/roll-off freight service to Gothenburg, will contribute to our ambition towards climate-neutral transport in, to, and through the port
Luc Arnouts, VP International networks, Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Collaborative Efforts and Sustainable Goals
DFDS plans to have at least two ammonia-fueled vessels operational on the corridor by 2030, contributing to its broader ambition of operating six low- and near-zero-emission vessels. These vessels will be supported by electric trucks, rail transport on land, and onshore power supply for vessels.
The Port of Gothenburg is already in the early stages of developing operating regulations to safely and efficiently handle and bunker ammonia-propelled vessels. We are also working on establishing an ammonia value chain to facilitate everything needed for ammonia-propelled vessels to call and bunker in the port on a regular basis in 2030 and beyond.
Patrik Benrick, Head of Strategic Development & Innovation, Port of Gothenburg
The ports will significantly increase electrification and ammonia bunkering efforts, potentially establishing the world’s first green ammonia shipping corridor, a milestone in sustainable transportation.
By collaborating, these ports aim to enhance the infrastructure necessary for supporting low-emission shipping and promoting sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
This is a testament to our ambitions and commitment to actively participating in the green transition. We expect this to be the world’s first green Corridor for Ro-Ro cargo vessels running on near-zero emission ammonia fuel. This transition would not have been possible without collaboration. We are working together with more than 50 partners to realize this project, which will contribute to a more sustainable future for European shipping, and the ports are a vital part of this.
Jacob Andersen, Vice President, North Sea, DFDS
DFDS has applied for funding for four ammonia-fueled vessels. If the funding is granted, the project, including electrification in the ports, is expected to reduce 328,000 t CO2e emissions per year, corresponding to around 11% of DFDS’s scope 1 GHG emissions compared to 2023. This significant reduction in emissions showcases the potential impact of transitioning to more sustainable shipping methods and highlights the importance of continued investment in green technologies and infrastructure.
I’m thrilled to see our original initiative develop into a more comprehensive network, and I am committed to building further on our collaborative experience. The Belgian Swedish Green Corridor is essential for decarbonizing the logistics sector and delivering on European resilience. It goes beyond the typical high-level language and includes concrete pledges that we want to deliver as a port, together with our clients and stakeholders.
Daan Schalck, CEO, North Sea Port
Adding the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to the Green Shipping Corridor project marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable maritime transport. By leveraging collaboration and innovation, the expanded partnership aims to set new standards for green shipping and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient European logistics sector.