Ricardo - Experts & Thought Leaders

Ricardo, a world-pioneering environmental, energy and engineering consultancy, now announces that it has been appointed to conduct a green shipping corridor feasibility study between Panama and Algeciras, Spain, aiming to decarbonise maritime trade and modernise global connectivity. Funded by European Union delegations in Panama and Costa Rica, the study will deliver an understanding of the technical, financial and policy conditions required to make the Panama–Algeciras corridor a practical green shipping route. Ricardo will lead the study, in collaboration with the Algeciras Bay Port Authority, the Panama Canal Authority, the Panama Maritime Authority, and a subcontractor with Maritime & Logistics Consulting Group, S.A. Part of the study As part of the study, Ricardo will: Confirm feasible fuel options and operational implications to define realistic pathways for transitioning trans-oceanic container shipping to zero- or near-zero-emission energy sources. Evaluate the business case for the corridor. This will consider capital costs of alternative-fuel vessels compared to conventional ships, the fuel price differential between zero/near-zero and fossil fuels, and operating costs linked to compliance with regulatory schemes such as the IMO Net-Zero Framework, FuelEU Maritime, and the EU ETS. Identify enabling policy and financial interventions and initiatives that could help bridge cost gaps and accelerate deployment, and measures to strengthen the emerging zero-emission fuel supply chain. Vessels use low-emission propulsion Green shipping corridors are specific routes where vessels use low-emission propulsion. Ricard, who has led a number of such studies to date, welcomes the study and the significance that this could have on global shipping. Ricardo’s Associate Director for Transport Policy, Alexi Pons, said: “The Panama–Algeciras green shipping corridor is not only significant because of its trans-oceanic distance, but also because it connects two major global bunker hubs with strong potential to become green hubs. Developing green shipping infrastructure along this route could deliver transformative benefits for both regions." "We’re very excited to be working with the Algeciras Bay Port Authority, the Panama Canal Authority, the Panama Maritime Authority and the EU on this project.” The results of the study are expected to be delivered by April 2026.

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.

Ricardo, a pioneer environmental, energy and engineering consultancy, announces that it is partnering with Port of Huelva to identify and promote green shipping corridors, becoming the first Spanish port to announce plans to explore green corridors as a mechanism for decarbonising maritime operations. To support the Port of Huelva, one of Spain’s busiest ports, Ricardo will identify at least 5 green shipping corridors into the port, identify improvements to port operations and infrastructure, recommend low-carbon logistics, and advise on regulations and development actions with official bodies. Ricardo will also design a phased roadmap and action plans for public and private entities for these green shipping corridors. Maritime value chain Green shipping corridors are specific routes where vessels use low-emission propulsion. As part of this effort, the Port of Huelva aims to strengthen partnerships across the maritime value chain, including industrial fuel producers, terminal operators, fuel suppliers, utilities, and commercial shipping companies, to develop European green shipping projects. On the new initiative, Ricardo’s Green Shipping Corridor Lead, Matt Moss, said, “We are delighted to be working with Port of Huelva on this ambitious green shipping corridor project. The Port is taking bold steps to understand how they can decarbonise their value chain, and this firmly establishes them as leaders in port sustainability, not just in Spain but throughout Europe.” Pre-feasibility assessments Ricardo’s team of maritime decarbonisation experts have been at the helm of four green shipping corridor projects across Europe, including two pre-feasibility assessments between the UK and Norway, and the UK and Denmark to establish which routes have the most potential to become green shipping corridors; and feasibility studies between Port of Holyhead and Port of Dublin, with Stena Line and Irish Ferries, and in the North Sea Shipping Corridor between Port of Tyne and Port of Ijmuiden, with DFDS. Phase one of the project begins in November 2025 and includes an analysis of port capacities, the fuel value chain, the mapping of potential routes, and the assessment of infrastructure readiness.