More sustainable travel across the North Sea has moved a step closer thanks to a new decarbonisation initiative led by ferry operator DFDS, the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden in Amsterdam.
The organisations have launched a feasibility study to lay the groundwork for establishing a green shipping corridor between the UK and the Netherlands. Running until 30 April 2025, the study will explore options for decarbonising operations on the Newcastle to Amsterdam route, including the readiness of port infrastructure and the supply chain for the shift to alternative fuels, with electricity and green methanol identified as options for future ships on the route. The project aims to eliminate more than 850,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, significantly contributing to DFDS’ decarbonisation targets and the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
The feasibility study, which will be led by environmental consultancy and sustainable shipping specialists Ricardo, is a key milestone for DFDS’ decarbonisation initiatives as it plots it path to net zero and a future ferry fleet that is less environmentally impactful.
The total project cost is €300,000 and funding of approximately €150,000 is being provided for the study by the UK and Dutch governments. The study will examine:
· Terminal and port feasibility: Evaluate the design and simulation of new ship operations, focusing on optimising terminal capacity, layout and maritime infrastructure, such a quayside adjustments and waterways.
· Infrastructure assessment and terminal electrification: Assess readiness for electrification at the Port of Tyne and Port of Ijmuiden terminals, including shore power installation and fuel storage solutions.
· Supply chain for green methanol: Explore sourcing options and how to develop the necessary infrastructure to provide a steady supply of green methanol for the ships.
· Regulatory review: Ensure compliance with UK and EU maritime regulations.
The initiative will mean that low emission transportation between the UK and the Netherlands with zero emission electric or green methanol powered ferries and charging facilities at the ports, could be a reality by 2030.
Teun-Wim Leene, route director for DFDS, said: “Our partnerships with the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden are crucial to our work to reduce our impact on the climate by shifting to alternative fuels. Together we have a shared ambition to invest in the development of low emission ships and the infrastructure required in the ports. By focusing on challenges like terminal capacity at Ijmuiden and securing low emission fuel sources, we are taking important steps to learn how we can decarbonise transport between the UK and the Netherlands and secure the long-term future of the Newcastle to Amsterdam route.”
DFDS is planning to build six ships powered by alternative fuels by 2030 focusing on electric, green methanol and ammonia.
Matt Beeton, chief executive of the Port of Tyne, said: “This initiative represents a huge step forward for the Port in our sustainability journey and it was fantastic to gather with our partners to forge ahead with our plans. The route is a key connection for the region and wider UK, supporting important tourism and trade.
“By establishing this green corridor between the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden, we aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions between the North East of England and Europe, with the aim of saving up to 850,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The success of this project will bring more green jobs to the region and drive the development of port infrastructure for electrification and the refuelling of state-of-the-art clean powered vessels.”
Peter van de Meerakker, managing director of Zeehaven Ijmuiden N.V – Port of Ijmuiden, said: “This project is very important for us, as we need to accelerate the reduction of our shipping emissions. With the ‘zero emission’ new tonnage of DFDS, we are taking an important step forward, since a lot needs still to be done on both sides of the North Sea and this project helps enormously speed up and achieve our goals.”
Matthew Moss, Ricardo maritime sustainable transport senior consultant, said: “Green corridors represent a crucial milestone on the path to maritime decarbonisation. By focusing on predictable routes and consistent operational profiles, they lower barriers to adoption and create momentum for sustainable change.”
The Port of Tyne has established a port decarbonisation blueprint to accelerate the journey to net zero. Its Clean Tyne sustainable smart port platform was created in partnership with Siemens, Connected Places Catapult, Newcastle University and the North East LEP, with funding from UK government. It will play a pivotal role in the port’s decarbonisation journey, by supporting scenario planning, business cases and investment cases to determine future power needs. It will also allow the port to assess future technical, environmental and economic impacts.
DFDS is leading change in the maritime and logistics sectors with a two-step Climate Action Plan. It has a short-term target to reduce relative CO2 emissions from ships by 45 percent by 2030, and a long-term target to become net zero by 2050.
For more information contact dfdsteam@rochpr.com.
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Notes to editors
1. Green shipping corridors are low or near zero emission maritime routes between two or more ports. The UK led the development of green corridors through the launch of the Clydebank Declaration at COP 26.
2. 90 per cent of the world’s goods are moved by sea. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) anticipates a doubling of maritime transport flows by 2050. The international maritime sector is responsible for three per cent of global carbon emissions – if it were a country, it would be the world’s eighth largest emitter.
3. DFDS runs two ships on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route – with approximately 624 crossings made on the route every year.
4. [CO2 emissions across DFDS’ fleet of 66 ships on 30 routes have reduced from 12.8g CO2 per GT mile in 2021 to 12.1g CO2 per GT mile in 2023. Emissions have reduced by 30 per cent against the 2008 benchmark of 17.50g CO2 per GT mile over the five-year period from 2019. This has been achieved at the same time as DFDS has expanded its route network across Europe.]
5. The UK and the Netherlands pledged at the COP27 conference to launch a special Green Shipping Corridor Task Force focused on bringing together experts and driving research to make sustainability initiatives a reality.
6. More than 50 shipping and maritime organisations, including DFDS, signed a green hydrogen call to action (Green Hydrogen and Green Shipping: Amplifying the Power of Hydrogen in a Just and Equitable Transition) at the COP29 climate talks in Baku. The call commits the industry to the full decarbonisation of the maritime sector and urges the IMO to commit to a zero-emissions fuel standard.