Newly Inked MOU Solidifies Energy Transition Cooperation and Green Shipping Corridor between Houston and Antwerp
HOUSTON- December 9, 2023 – The Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (”Blue Sky”), with the support and leadership of member organizations, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Port Houston, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Energy Transition Cooperation involving three Belgian and three Houston-based partners to boost transatlantic cooperation on the green transition.
The Center for Houston’s Future, Waterstofnet, Port Houston, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Exmar and the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition agreed to explore a partnership around an import-export coalition for renewable and low-carbon molecules, a green shipping corridor and the exchange of best practices, knowledge and research.
ABS Chairman and CEO and Blue Sky Board Member, Christopher J. Wiernicki, commented on the unique nature of the Green Shipping Corridor initiative:
“ABS is pleased to be leading the development of the Houston – Antwerp/Bruges Green Shipping Corridor in association with the MOU partners and other stakeholders. This corridor has a unique opportunity to address not only decarbonization of maritime operations between these great ports, but also to build out the assets and infrastructure for clean energy fuel transportation between these major energy hubs for the U.S. and Europe. Connecting the ambitions and investments of the U.S., including the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub development, with the EU to support the clean energy transition is a major strategic step for global decarbonization efforts.”
Port Houston Chief Infrastructure Officer and Blue Sky Board Member, Rich Byrnes, added, “We are pleased to be a signatory to this MOU and look forward to working with all partners to develop this vital green shipping corridor. This partnership represents a great opportunity to progress our shared goals of decarbonization in maritime, environmental sustainability, and trade development in clean energy.”
Blue Sky President, David Cummins, highlighted how this MOU provides opportunities for Blue Sky members to engage on this important initiative:
“Blue Sky Maritime Coalition members recognize the need to address global climate change and are committed to accelerating the transition of waterborne transportation toward net-zero GHG emissions. The extensive footprint of our member organizations in the Houston area and the broader Gulf Coast region will provide many opportunities for key partners and stakeholders to support these initiatives, including the development of the Houston – Antwerp/Bruges Green Shipping Corridor with is being led by ABS. We are excited to be working on energy transition cooperation between the largest petrochemical clusters in the world with the associated ports.”
Cummins continued: “Success will require many different stakeholders and participants, so collaboration is key. We encourage all Blue Sky members, prospective members, and other stakeholders to join and support these efforts.”
