Study reveals energy needs of green shipping corridor between Singapore and LA-LB

A feasibility study of a green shipping corridor between Singapore, Los Angeles and Long Beach has projected an energy demand of around 60,000 terajoules (TJ) from vessels plying on the corridor.

PHOTO: Container ship with working crane bridge in shipyard in Singapore. Getty Images

The study commissioned by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and Port of Long Beach (POLB) estimates around 850,000 mt/year of methanol and 160,000 mt/year of ammonia will be required by 2030 to cater to the shipping demand on the corridor.

Vessels operating on the corridor will make up 7% of the world’s container trade, and account for 1%, 14.5% and 20% of Singapore, Long Beach and Los Angeles’ traffic, according to the study.

The study was commissioned by the ports and C40, which is a network of 96 major cities worldwide committed to addressing climate change by implementing sustainable policies and initiatives. All three ports are part of C40's Green Ports Forum. It was conducted by classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

In April last year, the three ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

Way Forward

Following the feasibility study, the ports will focus on facilitating the use of zero and near-zero emissions fuels like green ammonia and green methanol on a large scale, ensuring safety, emergency response, and establishing standards.

Additionally, they will work on expanding the use of digital tools for route optimization and remote monitoring, as well as technologies like wind-assisted propulsion to reduce fuel consumption. The aim is also to promote the adoption of digital technologies for monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions along the corridor.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online