X-Press Feeders Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Pioneering shipping companies are joining forces to combat ocean plastic pollution through the launch of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS): a new industry alliance driving measurable reductions in plastic and operational waste at scale. Founded by Seven Clean Seas (SCS), an ocean impact organisation, MACS unites founding members, including Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, and others from across the global maritime value chain. Oceans underpin global trade and face mounting plastic challenges Oceans carry around 90% of global trade and provide livelihoods for more than 2 million seafarers worldwide. Yet they face unprecedented pressure, with 14 million tonnes of plastic entering and damaging marine ecosystems every year. While the maritime sector contributes only a small fraction of this pollution, even isolated cargo losses or poor waste handling on board or quayside can have serious consequences which could be prevented, especially with plastic pellets, films and light packaging.  By advancing best practices, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain, the industry can play a pivotal role in reducing plastic leakage and protecting the very waters it relies on. A pivotal moment for maritime sustainability MACS builds on the IMO’s established Plastic Marine Litter Action Plan and responds to the growing global sentiment for coordinated, industry-wide action on plastic pollution. As scrutiny around environmental and community impact intensifies, MACS creates a unified front for maritime players to reduce plastic use, share best practices, and inspire change across adjacent sectors with even larger plastic footprints. Collective action for measurable impact MACS builds on SCS’s track record of tackling plastic pollution at its source. Operating in some of the world’s most polluted coastal regions, SCS develops holistic certified recovery projects that not only recover ocean plastic but also deliver fair employment and community impact on the ground. The Association brings maritime leaders together to tackle two core objectives of ocean plastic recovery at scale and waste reduction across the maritime value chain, with the initial focus for 2026 on three key areas: Sustainable procurement and material use; Vessel waste measurement and reduction; And improved portside waste reception. IMO’s 2030 Action Plan These efforts align directly with the IMO’s 2030 Action Plan. It also marks a key milestone in SCS’ mission to recover 100,000,000 kilograms of plastic and improve 200,000 lives by 2030, proving how targeted collaboration can drive systemic change and inspire far-reaching environmental progress. “Seven Clean Seas has always believed in collective action as the most powerful lever for change,” said Tom Peacock-Nazil, Founder & Chairman of MACS. “With MACS, we’re providing the maritime industry with the tools it needs to make measurable progress against plastic pollution. Not in isolation, but together.” Driving systemic change through collaboration Founding members Berge Bulk, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), X-Press Feeders, and Britoil Offshore Services represent a cross-section of the global maritime sector, from bulk carriers and ship management to offshore operations. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to operational excellence, environmental leadership, and data transparency. “At Berge Bulk, the oceans are at the heart of our business, so we have always felt an obligation to protect them and a responsibility to keep them clean,” said Michael Blanding, Head of Sustainability & Communications. “Our long-standing work with SCS has already delivered tangible results, and through MACS, we’re proud to help lead a united industry response that can achieve change at scale.” Improvements across the maritime ecosystem Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders, added, “As a global shipping company, we recognise the responsibility we have to safeguard the oceans that sustain global trade." "Our collaboration with SCS goes back several years and joining MACS is a natural extension of our sustainability journey which goes beyond reducing emissions to also address the waste and plastic challenges facing our shared environment. Together with our peers, we can make practical, lasting improvements across the maritime ecosystem.” Advance responsible operations “Our work begins and ends with the sea, and with that comes a responsibility to protect it,” said Florent Kirchhoff, Chief Executive Officer of Britoil Offshore Services. “Through this partnership with MACS, Britoil aims to advance responsible operations through collaboration, reflecting our shared care for the oceans and the ingenuity that drives us to find solutions for a better future.” Future for the maritime industry Elena Pantazidou, HR Director & Board Member of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, commented, “At Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, we believe that safeguarding our oceans is not just a responsibility but a commitment to future generations. Joining forces as a founding member of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas reflects our dedication to driving sustainable practices across the maritime industry.” MACS welcomes members who wish to play an active role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for the maritime industry and the oceans that sustain it.

X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, announced the launch of its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX). It is part of Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol. This expansion follows the successful launch of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) in July and marks another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping. The Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) will commence operations on 23 August, offering services between the following ports: Rotterdam > Antwerp-Bruges > Klaipeda > Riga > Rotterdam. X-Press Feeders’ leadership The introduction of the GBX route was made possible because X-Press Feeders has received a dual-fuel ship The introduction of the GBX route was made possible because X-Press Feeders has received a third dual-fuel ship, the Eco-Umande. This vessel joins Eco-Maestro and Eco-Levant as part of the company’s dual-fuel vessels capable of operating on green methanol, solidifying X-Press Feeders’ leadership in sustainable maritime shipping.  These new, highly fuel-efficient vessels incorporate the latest technology and advancements in ship design. Each vessel has a nominal capacity of 1,260 TEU. Green Baltic X-PRESS “Building on the momentum of our first green methanol-powered route, we are excited to launch the Green Baltic X-PRESS, expanding our feeder network powered by green methanol and providing more sustainable shipping options to our customers,” says Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer of X-Press Feeders. “The addition of the Eco-Umande to our fleet underscores our commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in the maritime industry.” X-Press Feeders’ new feeder network is powered by green methanol, a sustainable marine fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65 percent, in terms of main engine propulsion, when using green methanol instead of conventional fuels. Fuel EU Maritime regulations The green methanol that X-Press Feeders is using, is independently certified in Europe under ISCC Green methanol is a renewable energy source produced from the decomposition of organic matter, such as waste and residues. The green methanol that X-Press Feeders is using, is independently certified in Europe under ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification). The launch of the GBX route is particularly timely as the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS) for maritime shipping came into effect on 1 January this year, encouraging shippers to adopt more sustainable practices. Additionally, the Fuel EU Maritime regulations are set to begin in January 2025 and will require a reduction in the greenhouse gas emission intensity of energy used on board ships. Looking ahead The Port of Rotterdam will be serving as the initial base for this network due to its infrastructure and capability to handle green methanol refuelling. The company has also signed a MOU with the ports of: Antwerp Bruges, Klaipeda in Lithuania, Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia, Helsinki and HaminaKotka in Finland to promote shipping powered by green methanol. These partnerships play a crucial role in supporting this innovative network and ensuring seamless, sustainable logistics across the region. X-Press Feeders ordered 14 dual-fuel vessels which it continues to take delivery of, so it plans to further expand its green methanol-powered network across Europe, providing more companies with the opportunity to achieve their sustainability goals through more sustainable shipping. “X-Press Feeders is dedicated to being at the forefront of sustainable shipping, and the launch of the Green Baltic X-PRESS represents another step in our journey toward decarbonising the maritime industry,” adds Goh.

X-Press Feeders has launched 2 services, Thailand Straits X-Press service (TSX) and Straits Ho Chi Minh X-Press service (SHX), adding more frequencies to our SEA region. Thailand Straits X-Press service (TSX) TSX is a fixed-day weekly service that directly connects Singapore and Laem Chabang, offering our customers more frequencies to Laem Chabang. The service rotation is: Singapore - Laem Chabang - Singapore Straits Ho Chi Minh X-Press service (SHX) SHX is our second service that connects Singapore and Ho Chi Minh. With a different berthing window, this fixed-day weekly service provides a weekend call at Cat Lai. The service rotation is: Singapore - Ho Chi Minh (Cat Lai) - Singapore Quality service, reliability, and efficiency X-Press Feeders' commitment to excellence drives them to innovate and improve services continuously. The launch of the Matadi Shuttle X-Press is a testament to dedication to providing the highest quality service, reliability, and efficiency to customers. As X-Press Feeders launches the Matadi Shuttle X-Press service, it remains committed to further expanding its network and enhancing service offerings. It is excited about the opportunities this new route brings and looks forward to continuing to serve customers with the excellence they have come to expect from X-Press Feeders.