Renault partners with UECC's Sail for Change project, focusing on switching fuel types
UECC, a leading provider of ocean-going ro-ro transportation services, launched its Sail for Change initiative last June, aiming to decarbonise its fleet. The initiative is proving to be a significant step towards a greener future, as the company continues to make strides in reducing emissions and aligning with the needs of the market.
Expanding the Trading Network
UECC's north-south Europe trading network has grown to include an additional port call in Turkey at Yarímca port. This expansion is part of UECC's commitment to provide sustainable transportation solutions to its customers.
Pilot Shipments and Partnerships
Pilot shipments of Renault vehicles began on July 1 this year between the Belgian port of Zeebrugge and the port of Esbjerg in Denmark. This partnership reflects Renault Group's ambition to reduce emissions from its supply chain and logistics by at least 27% by 2030.
UECC's Energy and Sustainability Manager, Daniel Gent, stated that Sail for Change offers customers like Renault a chance to make 'a direct, meaningful, and certified impact on their supply chain emissions by offering marine transport powered by sustainable fuels.'
Adopting Alternative Fuels
The adoption of alternative fuels is expected to account for 58% of UECC's fuel use by 2030. UECC is fuelling its fleet of dual and multi-fuel LNG pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with biomethane or bioLNG.
Compliance with Regulations
UECC's strategy for compliance with European regulations on maritime decarbonisation includes supplying OEM customers with alternative fuels. The company believes that the FuelEU Maritime regulation, fully applied since January this year, is the biggest lever for decarbonisation in the maritime sector for a generation.
UECC sources its BioLNG for the Sail for Change initiative from Titan Clean Fuels under a supply agreement. Titan Clean Fuels is seen by UECC as the key supplier to help achieve their emissions reduction targets by 2030.
Achievements and Future Goals
UECC has been able to avoid surcharges for its customers as its eco-friendly fleet is generating a compliance surplus under FuelEU Maritime that can be monetized through the pooling mechanism of the regulation.
UECC cut its CO emissions by more than 107,000 tonnes in 2024 and expects this reduction to increase by 50% to nearly 155,000 tonnes this year. The company aims to achieve a 45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 towards its goal of net zero by 2040, using bioLNG as the key fuel.
UECC already counts JLR, Toyota, Ford, and one other unnamed OEM among its customers, demonstrating the industry's growing recognition of the company's commitment to sustainability.
The FuelEU Maritime regulation sets maximum limits for the yearly average greenhouse gas emissions from ships above 5,000GT calling at European ports. By adhering to these regulations and offering sustainable solutions, UECC is delivering on its promise to insulate customers from regulatory penalties under the new green regime.
In June this year, UECC added another dual-fuel LNG PCTC to its north-south Europe trading network - Blue Heritage. This addition further strengthens UECC's position as a leader in sustainable maritime transportation.
UECC's Sail for Change initiative is a testament to the company's dedication to decarbonising its operations and providing customers with sustainable transportation solutions. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like Sail for Change are crucial in driving the transition towards a greener maritime sector.
