Rotterdam-Singapore Green Shipping Corridor Pilots LBM Bunkering Certification

The Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) conducted a successful certification pilot for bunkering mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane (LBM) at the Port of Rotterdam on 19 October 2024. This marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable fuel adoption in maritime shipping.

On 19 October 2024, the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) completed a key pilot, bunkering 100 tonnes of mass-balanced liquefied bio-methane (LBM) at the Port of Rotterdam. Supplied by Shell and used by CMA CGM’s LNG-powered containership CMA CGM Tivoli, the LBM, derived from waste-based feedstock, offers a lower-emission alternative to conventional marine fuels.

The pilot included a Proof of Sustainability certificate from Shell, verified under International Sustainability and Carbon Certification-European Union (ISCC-EU) standards and aligned with EU regulations. The mass balance methodology ensured compliance with Renewable Energy Directive II and FuelEU Maritime rules, supporting future recognition of LBM under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

This initiative reflects GDSC’s broader goal of promoting near-zero emission fuels along major trade routes. A similar LBM pilot is planned at the Port of Singapore, further advancing decarbonization and digitalization in maritime shipping. Established in 2022, the GDSC unites 28 global partners, including shipping lines, fuel suppliers, and port authorities, to explore alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.