X-Press Feeders Orders Six Methanol-Ready Boxships with Scrubbers in China

Singapore-based independent common carrier X-Press Feeders has placed an order for six methanol-ready, scrubber-fitted containerships with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The company confirmed the agreement to Offshore Energy, stating that the six 11,000 TEU vessels will be delivered between the third quarter of 2027 and the fourth quarter of 2028. This order represents a continuation of X-Press Feeders' strategy to expand its fleet with environmentally friendly ships, ensuring that it deploys “the right tonnage to the core trades.” Details regarding the specific deployment of these vessels will be announced closer to their delivery dates.

The order for these six new boxships follows an earlier shipbuilding contract signed in May 2024 for four 11,000 TEU methanol-fueled containerships, also placed with SWS. Similar to the previously ordered vessels, the new ships will be outfitted with scrubbers, windshields, and a range of energy-saving and drag-reduction solutions designed to optimize speed, lower fuel consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. These advanced features reflect the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping and align with its long-term fleet renewal strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

In parallel to this new order, X-Press Feeders recently launched Europe’s first scheduled feeder network serviced by green methanol-powered vessels. This network connects key European ports, including Rotterdam and Antwerp Bruges, to Finland and the Baltic region. By using green methanol as a fuel source, this service offers European companies a regularly scheduled network to transport goods with significantly less environmental impact compared to traditional shipping methods. According to X-Press Feeders, green methanol has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to conventional fuels, representing a substantial step toward decarbonizing maritime transport.

The adoption of green methanol is a key component of X-Press Feeders' broader sustainability strategy, as the company seeks to position itself as a leader in the transition to green alternative fuels within the shipping industry. The company views this initiative as critical not only to its own operational goals but also to the wider adoption of green fuels across the global maritime industry. By investing in methanol-powered vessels and advancing sustainable practices, X-Press Feeders aims to make a meaningful contribution to the reduction of emissions in retail logistics and global supply chains.

As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, X-Press Feeders' ongoing investments in eco-friendly vessels highlight its commitment to a greener future. The company’s focus on green hydrogen and methanol-powered technologies underscores the essential role feeder services play in driving environmental sustainability within international shipping and logistics. These efforts reflect the company’s broader vision of advancing environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency and growth.