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Image Credit: Port of Tyne
The Port of Tyne in North East England and the Port of IJmuiden in Amsterdam have officially launched the Green North Sea Shipping Corridor, an initiative to decarbonize shipping routes by introducing low-carbon-fueled ships. This collaborative project, involving ferry operator DFDS, maritime data provider KSVA, and engineering consultancy Ricardo, marks a significant step toward sustainable maritime transport.
The initiative is part of a £9 million investment package unveiled by Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP in October 2024 as part of the International Green Corridors Fund. This funding aims to accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport, create green jobs, and position the UK as a leader in sustainable shipping innovation.
A key feature of the project is DFDS’s transition to methanol-fueled RoRo and RoPax vessels, which are designed to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. By replacing conventional fuels with low-carbon alternatives, the initiative is poised to set a new standard for environmentally responsible shipping along this key trade route.
Declan Walsh, DFDS, commented: “DFDS is committed to becoming a carbon neutral Transport & Logistics company by 2050 and the decarbonisation of our Passenger business is a key part of this journey. Transforming our current Amsterdam-Newcastle route to a RoPAX Green Corridor is a massive undertaking and we are fortunate to have such great partners to help us make this happen.”
Ricardo, a leading environmental consultancy, will spearhead the project’s next development phase. Their role includes:
Analyzing sustainable shipping practices.
Exploring low-carbon fuel options.
Charting a clear path toward decarbonization.
This collaboration combines engineering, maritime expertise, and innovative fuel technologies to make green shipping corridors a reality.
The Green North Sea Shipping Corridor exemplifies the maritime industry’s growing commitment to sustainability. With its focus on innovative low-carbon solutions and international collaboration, the project addresses climate change. It lays the groundwork for a future of greener, cleaner trade routes between the UK and Europe.
Matt Beeton, CEO at the Port of Tyne, said: “This initiative represents another step forward for the port in our sustainability journey. By establishing this green corridor between the Port of Tyne and the Port of IJmuiden, we aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions between the Northeast of England and northern 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, added: “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.”
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