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Green corridor progress is hindered by regulatory uncertainty and funding challenges.
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Only 24 of 62 initiatives have reached feasibility study stages; none are fully operational.
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Broader industry adoption is needed to build a green fuel supply ecosystem.
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Government policies and incentives are essential to support the transition.
Achieving commercially viable and sustainable green shipping corridors will require a significant increase in the availability of clean fuels and stronger government backing, according to experts at the recent TOC Europe 2025 event in Rotterdam. Speaking during a session focused on scaling up green corridors, panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration across the maritime value chain, including governments, ports, vessel owners, cargo owners, and fuel suppliers. Gitte Livbjerg, head of fuel infrastructure and ports at the Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, noted that while technology is not a barrier, financial support remains a major challenge.
Challenges and Dependencies in Scaling Green Shipping Corridors
Progress on green shipping corridors continues to face delays, largely due to regulatory uncertainty and the high financial risks involved. Dana Rodriguez, Programme Manager at the Decarbonisation Hub, pointed to the lack of clarity around the International Maritime Organization’s net-zero timeline as a contributing factor. She highlighted the need for fiscal incentives to support these complex, capital-intensive projects. Of the 62 green corridor initiatives identified, only 24 have reached feasibility study stages, and none have yet been fully realized.
Nelson Mojarro of the International Chamber of Shipping emphasized that the main challenge lies in the supply of green fuels. While alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol are emerging, a broader market shift across multiple sectors is necessary to create a viable supply ecosystem. He estimated that it could take up to seven years before sufficient volumes of these fuels become available. Mojarro also underlined that shipping alone, accounting for just 3% of global fuel demand, cannot drive the transition independently. In his view, supportive government policies and regulatory frameworks are essential to guide the pace and direction of the green corridor development.
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Source: WorldCargo News
