The rapid growth of ecommerce has been reshaping global retailing, but with this growth comes with a critical responsibility—reducing the environmental impact, writes Francis Goh, chief operating officer, X-Press Feeders.
Maritime shipping plays a vital role in ecommerce supply chains. More than 80% of the world’s trade is carried by sea because sea freight is the most cost-effective mode of transport for shipping large quantities of goods.
However, this mode of transportation contributes to CO2 emissions, prompting ecommerce retailers to seek more sustainable solutions to meet their carbon reduction goals. These goals are becoming increasingly driven by regulatory requirements and growing consumer demand for sustainable practices.
Ecommerce’s sustainability challenge
Retail giants like Amazon, Alibaba and ASOS have set ambitious climate goals. Amazon, for example, has pledged to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. A large portion of companies’ carbon footprint comes from ‘scope three’ emissions—those generated by supply chain activities like transportation and logistics.
According to PwC’s 2024 report, 80% of consumers are now willing to pay more for sustainable goods, including good that are shipped in a more sustainable manner. This creates an opportunity for ecommerce brands to strengthen customer loyalty by adopting greener logistics solutions. As sustainability becomes a key differentiator, sustainable shipping is no longer a choice but increasingly a necessity.
Advancing sustainable shipping
Shipping has always been integral to global trade, particularly maritime feeder services that transport goods from major transhipment hubs to smaller ports. The environmental cost of conventional marine fuels is driving the maritime industry toward alternative, more sustainable options.
Green methanol is one such option, a fuel derived from biomass feedstock that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to conventional fuels. As part of this effort, X-Press Feeders has already launched two green methanol-powered feeder services—the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) and Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX). Both services are centred in the strategic ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, positioning us at the forefront of green shipping in the region.
These initial services mark just the beginning of our journey. As we take delivery of more dual-fuel vessels throughout 2025, we plan to steadily expand our sustainable feeder network across Europe.
In line with our sustainability goals, we are also introducing the Book and Claim system, a flexible and scalable solution enabling businesses to reduce their scope three emissions. It is a versatile ‘chain of custody’ system used to monitor and control materials and products as they move through a supply chain. This approach allows customers to purchase emission-saving credits tied to the usage of green methanol across our fleet, even if their specific shipment isn’t powered by this type of fuel. By participating, ecommerce retailers can transparently claim emission reductions, comply with greenhouse gas emissions and promote the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in supply chain logistics.
Why sustainable shipping matters for ecommerce
For ecommerce retailers, consumer expectations have evolved. Today’s customers want more than fast delivery; they expect transparency about how their goods are sourced, made and shipped. Businesses that fail to adopt sustainable logistics solutions risk falling behind as consumers increasingly favour brands with stronger environmental practices.
The shipping sector, particularly feeder services, play a crucial role in enabling greener supply chains. Reducing emissions in the ‘last mile’ of maritime logistics, the route from hubs to regional ports, allows ecommerce companies to enhance sustainability without compromising on delivery speed or cost-effectiveness.
By adopting sustainable solutions like green methanol-powered vessels and the Book and Claim system, ecommerce retailers can reduce emissions in their supply chain while staying ahead of stringent carbon regulations and consumer pressures. These innovations not only allow businesses to avoid potential penalties but also boost their brand’s reputation as an environmental leader.
Driving green logistics through technology
In addition to alternative fuels like green methanol, technology is also advancing sustainable shipping for ecommerce. AI-driven logistics optimization helps retailers streamline operations, reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions. This technology enables businesses to forecast demand more accurately and optimize shipping routes, all while keeping their environmental footprint in check.
Collaboration across the supply chain is essential for achieving significant carbon reductions. Partnerships between ecommerce retailers and green logistics providers are driving the adoption of sustainable practices, positioning both industries for long-term success.
Conclusion: sustainable shipping is the future of ecommerce logistics
As ecommerce grows, sustainability is becoming integral to transport and logistics. Maritime shipping can help the ecommerce industry reduce its carbon footprint through the use of more sustainable fuels, such as green methanol, and digital optimisation tools that drive greater operational efficiencies. By embracing these innovations, ecommerce retailers can reduce emissions.
Sustainable shipping is not just a trend—it is the future of transport and logistics in the digital retail landscape. Retailers that invest in green shipping solutions today will be better positioned to meet customers’ needs and achieve their corporate sustainability goals.
Francis Goh, chief operating officer, X-Press Feeders
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You are in: Home » Themes » Sustainability » GUEST COMMENT The role of sustainable shipping in ecommerce’s path to Net Zero
GUEST COMMENT The role of sustainable shipping in ecommerce’s path to Net Zero
Katie Searles
The rapid growth of ecommerce has been reshaping global retailing, but with this growth comes with a critical responsibility—reducing the environmental impact, writes Francis Goh, chief operating officer, X-Press Feeders.
Maritime shipping plays a vital role in ecommerce supply chains. More than 80% of the world’s trade is carried by sea because sea freight is the most cost-effective mode of transport for shipping large quantities of goods.
However, this mode of transportation contributes to CO2 emissions, prompting ecommerce retailers to seek more sustainable solutions to meet their carbon reduction goals. These goals are becoming increasingly driven by regulatory requirements and growing consumer demand for sustainable practices.
Ecommerce’s sustainability challenge
Retail giants like Amazon, Alibaba and ASOS have set ambitious climate goals. Amazon, for example, has pledged to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. A large portion of companies’ carbon footprint comes from ‘scope three’ emissions—those generated by supply chain activities like transportation and logistics.
According to PwC’s 2024 report, 80% of consumers are now willing to pay more for sustainable goods, including good that are shipped in a more sustainable manner. This creates an opportunity for ecommerce brands to strengthen customer loyalty by adopting greener logistics solutions. As sustainability becomes a key differentiator, sustainable shipping is no longer a choice but increasingly a necessity.
Advancing sustainable shipping
Shipping has always been integral to global trade, particularly maritime feeder services that transport goods from major transhipment hubs to smaller ports. The environmental cost of conventional marine fuels is driving the maritime industry toward alternative, more sustainable options.
Green methanol is one such option, a fuel derived from biomass feedstock that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to conventional fuels. As part of this effort, X-Press Feeders has already launched two green methanol-powered feeder services—the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) and Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX). Both services are centred in the strategic ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, positioning us at the forefront of green shipping in the region.
These initial services mark just the beginning of our journey. As we take delivery of more dual-fuel vessels throughout 2025, we plan to steadily expand our sustainable feeder network across Europe.
In line with our sustainability goals, we are also introducing the Book and Claim system, a flexible and scalable solution enabling businesses to reduce their scope three emissions. It is a versatile ‘chain of custody’ system used to monitor and control materials and products as they move through a supply chain. This approach allows customers to purchase emission-saving credits tied to the usage of green methanol across our fleet, even if their specific shipment isn’t powered by this type of fuel. By participating, ecommerce retailers can transparently claim emission reductions, comply with greenhouse gas emissions and promote the broader adoption of sustainable fuels in supply chain logistics.
Why sustainable shipping matters for ecommerce
For ecommerce retailers, consumer expectations have evolved. Today’s customers want more than fast delivery; they expect transparency about how their goods are sourced, made and shipped. Businesses that fail to adopt sustainable logistics solutions risk falling behind as consumers increasingly favour brands with stronger environmental practices.
The shipping sector, particularly feeder services, play a crucial role in enabling greener supply chains. Reducing emissions in the ‘last mile’ of maritime logistics, the route from hubs to regional ports, allows ecommerce companies to enhance sustainability without compromising on delivery speed or cost-effectiveness.
By adopting sustainable solutions like green methanol-powered vessels and the Book and Claim system, ecommerce retailers can reduce emissions in their supply chain while staying ahead of stringent carbon regulations and consumer pressures. These innovations not only allow businesses to avoid potential penalties but also boost their brand’s reputation as an environmental leader.
Driving green logistics through technology
In addition to alternative fuels like green methanol, technology is also advancing sustainable shipping for ecommerce. AI-driven logistics optimization helps retailers streamline operations, reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions. This technology enables businesses to forecast demand more accurately and optimize shipping routes, all while keeping their environmental footprint in check.
Collaboration across the supply chain is essential for achieving significant carbon reductions. Partnerships between ecommerce retailers and green logistics providers are driving the adoption of sustainable practices, positioning both industries for long-term success.
Conclusion: sustainable shipping is the future of ecommerce logistics
As ecommerce grows, sustainability is becoming integral to transport and logistics. Maritime shipping can help the ecommerce industry reduce its carbon footprint through the use of more sustainable fuels, such as green methanol, and digital optimisation tools that drive greater operational efficiencies. By embracing these innovations, ecommerce retailers can reduce emissions.
Sustainable shipping is not just a trend—it is the future of transport and logistics in the digital retail landscape. Retailers that invest in green shipping solutions today will be better positioned to meet customers’ needs and achieve their corporate sustainability goals.
Francis Goh, chief operating officer, X-Press Feeders
Stay informed
Our editor carefully curates two newsletters a week filled with up-to-date news, analysis and research, click here to subscribe to the FREE newsletter sent straight to your inbox and why not follow us on LinkedIn to receive the latest updates on our research and analysis.
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