#Shanghai #green shipping #Maritime Corridor

Shanghai's Green Shipping Corridors Initiative

On October 21, 2025, during the North Bund Forum 2025, Shanghai has taken center stage with its ambitious plans to develop additional eco-friendly maritime corridors alongside international partners. The city aspires to lead in sustainable maritime operations, receiving a fair share of attention from global attendees eager to learn about innovative solutions to combat climate change within the shipping industry.

Collaborative Global Efforts

Shanghai's port authorities are collaborating with several renowned ports in Europe and the United States to establish a network of green shipping corridors. Among the notable partnerships is the co-founding of a green roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) corridor with the Port of Barcelona in Spain and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. This initiative stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to sustainability and exemplifies how international cooperation can pave the way for progressive changes in maritime transport.

In fact, the "Shanghai-Hamburg Green Corridor," launched in 2024, has set a commendable standard in operational sustainability. Leveraging regular shore power services, Shanghai's container terminals are now equipped to supply eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol. Meanwhile, Hamburg aims to achieve a 100% green shore power service, planning to introduce methanol refueling later this year.

Innovations in Sustainable Shipping

Furthermore, COSCO Shipping Lines has established two regular shipping routes that adhere to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) carbon intensity indicators. This proactive step underscores a collective commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the broader shipping industry.

Adding to the momentum, the green corridor between Shanghai and the U.S. ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—operational since 2022—has also seen significant advancements. Achievements include complete shore power coverage and initiatives aimed at deploying low-emission ships throughout their entire lifecycle.

Joint Initiatives for a Greener Future

At the North Bund Forum, an international collaborative initiative for green shipping corridors was presented, emphasizing the importance of fostering the development of low-carbon vessels and the construction of zero-emission ports. The initiative promotes the exchange of effective practices and aims to establish