A newly published report outlines the environmental and economic benefits of using methanol as the primary fuel for ferries operating between the Port of Tyne in Newcastle and the Port of IJmuiden in Amsterdam.
The study suggests that this change could prevent up to £420 million in future regulatory expenses and lead to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Assessing the green shipping corridor
The concept of green shipping corridors involves routes where ships utilise low-emission power sources. Conducted by Ricardo, a consultancy specialising in maritime decarbonisation, the study evaluated both technical and commercial viability for creating such a corridor between Newcastle and Amsterdam.
Key considerations included the use of methanol, onshore power supply, and battery storage to meet energy demands.
Alternative fuels and emissions reductions
The study identified significant emission drops with methanol, cutting greenhouse gases by 70%
The study identified significant emission reductions with methanol, cutting greenhouse gases by 70%. Combining onshore power supply could further decrease emissions by an additional 10-15%.
These strategies, alongside avoided regulatory fines, promise substantial financial savings that could balance the investments required for new technologies.
Validation by ferry operators
The findings were corroborated by DFDS, the primary ferry operator for this route.
Their internal analysis supported the financial feasibility of shifting to alternative fuels. DFDS is preparing to invest in methanol-powered vessels for this corridor.
Expert insights and vision
Matt Moss highlighted the matter of green corridors as feasible alternatives to traditional fuels
Matt Moss, a consultant at Ricardo, highlighted the importance of green corridors as feasible alternatives to traditional fuels, especially in difficult-to-decarbonise industries. He noted the potential of the Tyne-IJmuiden route as a blueprint for similar projects across Europe.
Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, reinforced this vision: "We aim to achieve net zero port operations bolstered by an e-fuels hub and a bustling ferry route for passengers and freight." He stressed the importance of collaboration across the maritime sector for greening shipping routes.
Support and future steps
Zeehaven IJmuiden N.V. CEO, Tjeerd van der Voorn, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of collaboration facilitated by Innovate UK and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. The initiative to transform the route aligns seamlessly with Energy Port IJmuiden's objectives.
Teun-Wim Leene, Route Manager for DFDS Amsterdam-Newcastle, highlighted plans to decarbonise maritime transport on this corridor. This includes investment in new vessels and partnerships to advance infrastructure and low-emission fuel production.
This study was partially funded by the UK Government's UK SHORE programme, which supports maritime decarbonisation, fuels innovation, and aims to generate new jobs in the industry.
A new report, released now, has found that adopting methanol as the primary fuel for voyages between the Port of Tyne, Newcastle and Port of IJmuiden, Amsterdam could avoid up to £420 million in future regulatory costs and deliver an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Green shipping corridors are specific routes where vessels use low-emission propulsion. The study, led by Ricardo, an environmental, energy and engineering consultancy and world pioneers in maritime decarbonisation, assessed the technical and commercial feasibility of introducing a green shipping corridor between Newcastle and Amsterdam.
Alternative future fuels for vessels
Looking at the potential of both methanol and onshore power supply as alternative future fuels for vessels operating between the busy ports, the study found significant reductions in emissions with the adoption of methanol, reducing GHG by 70%, and onshore power supply, reducing GHG by an additional 10-15%. Battery storage could also be adopted to support energy demand.
The study also found significant financial savings, primarily through avoided regulatory penalties, which would help to offset any needed investment in new technology.
Primary ferry operator
The report’s findings were validated by the primary ferry operator between the ports, DFDS’ own internal analysis, which supported the economic feasibility of transitioning the Tyne- IJmuiden route to alternative fuels. DFDS plans to invest in alternative fuel-powered vessels for the corridor.
Ricardo Maritime Sustainable Transport Consultant, Matt Moss, said: “Green shipping corridors represent a viable alternative to traditional carbon-heavy fuels, in an industry that is considered hard to decarbonise. The Port of Tyne – Port of IJmuiden route is not only a suitable candidate for the world’s first green shipping corridor but will also inform similar projects throughout Europe.”
Net zero port operation
Port of Tyne CEO, Matt Beeton, welcomed the study’s results as another important step toward establishing a North Sea green shipping corridor: "We have a vision to achieve a net zero port operation, supported by an e-fuels hub, alongside a thriving ferry route to the continent for both passengers and freight."
"The transition to a cleaner future will only happen through genuine collaboration right across the maritime value chain. This report’s findings give us confidence that green shipping is within reach and that the North East can be at the forefront of the change."
Green shipping corridors
Zeehaven Ijmuiden N.V. - Port of IJmuiden CEO, Tjeerd van der Voorn, said: “Transforming the Tyne–IJmuiden route into one of the world’s first green shipping corridors fits seamlessly with our ambition to develop Energy Port IJmuiden."
"This project has strengthened collaboration across ports, operators, engineers and public bodies, and the support of Innovate UK and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency has been instrumental. With methanol-powered vessels and onshore power, we are taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, future-ready North Sea connection.”
Investing in new vessels
DFDS Amsterdam-Newcastle Route Manager, Teun-Wim Leene, said: “Our ambition is to decarbonise maritime transport along the Amsterdam–Newcastle corridor. This includes investing in new vessels and collaborating with partners to accelerate infrastructure development and the production of low-emission fuels which is crucial for a successful transition.”
The Port of Tyne – Port of IJmuiden study was part-funded by the UK Government's maritime decarbonisation project programme UK SHORE, which aims to reduce emissions, fuel innovation and create new jobs in the industry.
