On October 23, 2023, a significant dialogue unfolded at the 2024 North Bund International Shipping Forum in Shanghai, where the focus was on the pressing need for green and low-carbon transformation within the shipping industry. As global attention shifts toward sustainable practices, the development of green shipping corridors is emerging as a pivotal engine to accelerate Shanghai Port’s green shipping initiatives and enhance international port collaboration.
The concept of a green shipping corridor revolves around establishing zero-emission shipping routes between two or more ports, supported by a robust collaborative framework among stakeholders, sufficient alternative fuel supplies, cargo demand, and enabling policies and regulations. During the forum, Shanghai Port and Hamburg Port formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of cooperation aimed at jointly developing a green shipping corridor to expedite carbon neutrality for vessels docking at both ports.
The memorandum outlines various collaborative efforts, including the advancement and implementation of shore power at terminals, exploring and promoting the necessary infrastructure, regulations, and incentives for green fuel supply and usage, inviting more partners to join in achieving the goals of the green shipping corridor, and sharing knowledge and information to broaden the benefits of green shipping corridors.
Jan Van der Borght, the Chinese representative for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized during an interview with China News Service that “decarbonization is not just a local issue; pollution does not stop at borders—it’s an international concern. Therefore, we need to work together, which requires substantial exchange of experience and information.” He stressed the importance of dialogue within the international community to ensure clarity on each other’s progress, noting that establishing a green shipping corridor encourages such cooperation and discussion.
While Hamburg Port is just beginning this journey, Los Angeles Port has been collaborating with Shanghai Port on a green shipping corridor for over a year. As the largest container port in the U.S., the port has already seen tangible benefits from this partnership.
This corridor marks the world’s first trans-Pacific green shipping initiative, with plans to showcase the first container ship achieving zero carbon emissions over its entire life cycle by 2030. Currently, four shipping companies are constructing methanol dual-fuel container ships suitable for trans-Pacific transport, and Shanghai and Los Angeles ports are aligned on multiple initiatives involving the pilot application of new energy fuels like green methanol, shore power utilization, and smart terminal construction.
Eugene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, highlighted the significance of their trade relationship, with 45% of trade linked to China, particularly through the Shanghai to Los Angeles corridor. “Using digital information, we can prepare for cargo arrival up to 14 or even 21 days before a vessel departs from Shanghai. This gives us ample time to mobilize significant resources like labor, land, and machinery,” he stated in a media interview. He described the collaboration as world-leading, aiming for a digitized supply chain and zero-emission port complexes, noting, “If we can reduce ship emissions between Shanghai and Los Angeles by 10%, it would equate to eliminating all emissions from the Port of Los Angeles for an entire year. We have made a solid start and will continue to foster this cooperation.”
Sharon Lee Weissman, a commissioner of the Port of Long Beach, also expressed her admiration for the partnership with Shanghai Port, noting their efforts to enhance efficiency and operations. “We have increased our share of zero-emission cargo handling equipment. At Long Beach, we have the world’s first zero-emission terminal, and the dialogue with Shanghai has showcased technologies that you are using and can be applied at Long Beach, leading to improved efficiency,” she remarked.
