In a major step toward sustainable maritime trade, the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and ports in South Korea Busan and Ulsan are advancing efforts to create a green shipping corridor focused on zero or net-zero (ZNZ) marine fuels.
Backed by the environmental organization Pacific Environment and involving global partners, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions along one of the busiest trans-Pacific trade routes. The project reflects a growing international commitment to decarbonization in the maritime industry and aligns with broader global climate goals.
Multi-Port Collaboration for Zero-Emission Shipping
The U.S.–South Korea green shipping corridor project has been in development for the past three years, examining how to transition ships operating between the NWSA gateway and South Korean ports to zero-emission fuels such as green methanol and ammonia.
According to Pacific Environment, the initiative’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalized in 2024 outlines several key areas of cooperation, including:
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Maritime decarbonization and port emission reduction initiatives
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Development of ZNZ fuel infrastructure, storage, and bunkering capacities
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Alignment of regulatory and safety frameworks
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Digitization and data-sharing mechanisms
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Collaboration on fuel cost analyses and total ownership assessments
Feasibility Study and Future Deployment Plans
The initiative is supported by a comprehensive feasibility study expected to conclude by the end of this year. The Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) leads the study for the green car-carrier corridor, with Wallenius Wilhelmsen as a key commercial partner.
The research also includes:
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A South Korea-focused segment led by the Korean Register (KR) and HMM, evaluating regional readiness and infrastructure.
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A U.S.-focused element led by RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) and Swire Shipping, concentrating on the production and supply of green methanol through partners such as C2X and HIF.
The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) aims to deploy the first green methanol-fueled car carriers and containerships between Seattle-Tacoma and Ulsan-Busan by the end of 2027. Both U.S. and Korean ports plan to develop fuel supply bases and related infrastructure to facilitate wider adoption of green methanol and ammonia.
The U.S.–South Korea green shipping corridor represents a powerful step toward global maritime decarbonization. By combining international collaboration, innovative technology, and policy alignment, the project sets a precedent for future low-carbon shipping routes. As South Korea continues to expand similar partnerships with Australia and Europe by 2029, the corridor will not only strengthen bilateral trade but also advance the shared goal of a cleaner, more sustainable maritime future.
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Source: OFFSHORE ENERGY
