The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Shanghai Green Shipping Corridor reports in its second Annual Progress Report that it has delivered on phase 1 milestones, including the expansion of shore power infrastructure to meet 100% electrification serving container vessels, deploying reduced lifecycle carbon-capable vessels, and scaling sustainable fuel bunkering operations.
The partners announced plans to develop the first trans-Pacific green shipping corridor (GSC) in January of 2022. As part of the plan the carrier partners involved aimed to deploy reduced or zero lifecycle carbon capable ships on the corridor by 2025, and work together to demonstrate by 2030 the feasibility of deploying the world’s first zero lifecycle carbon emission container ship(s). Carrier partners include CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd., Maersk, and ONE. Core partners include the Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., the China Classification Society, and the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre of Asia.
Thus far, the partners report that in 2024, the first green methanol container ship completed its voyage on the corridor. More than 47,000 tons of green methanol have been bunkered at the Port of Shanghai, and China has realized its first linkage for domestically produced green methanol.
COSCO SHIPPING Lines, CMA CGM, and Maersk have deployed reduced lifecycle carbon emission capable vessels on the corridor, marking the successful completion of the corridor’s phase 1 milestone target. By 2030, it is envisioned that “qualified and willing” shipping lines will work together to demonstrate the feasibility of deploying the world’s first Zero Lifecycle Carbon Emission Container Ship(s).
The partners have also reviewed fuel standards by the GSC for 2026 adoption, setting requirements for fuels’ GHG intensity as well as a study on fuel demand and supply for the corridor.
The partners have also moved forward on emissions reductions in port. The Port of Shanghai offers a 50% reduction in berthing fees for reduced and zero lifecycle carbon emission capable vessels and subsidizes the use of shore power for ships calling at the port.
And they have expanded shore power infrastructure to reach 100% capability in Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, cutting emissions while ships are docked and improving air quality for local communities. The Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports completed the installation of shore power to meet earlier mandated State regulations.
