Pioneering the UK's first long-distance green shipping corridor study

The Maritime Transport Research Group (MTRG) is at the heart of the global effort to decarbonise maritime transport
Container ship at sunset while being loaded and unloaded in a port.
Plymouth University's Maritime Transport Research Group (MTRG) has taken a significant step towards maritime sustainability by conducting the UK's first long-distance pre-feasibility study on a Green Shipping Corridor between the UK, Singapore, and ASEAN countries through Singapore. The study, sponsored by the British High Commission in Singapore under the SGUK Green Economy Framework Initiative, marks a crucial advancement in the global effort to decarbonise maritime transport.
Green Shipping Corridors (GSCs), introduced in 2021 under the Clydebank Declaration, have quickly become a key strategy for accelerating maritime decarbonisation. The MTRG research team analysed the main container trade lane between Asia and Europe, revealing critical insights for the future of sustainable shipping.
A key finding of the study is the need for significant investment in the UK's alternate-fuel bunkering infrastructure, supported by regulatory changes and government policy shifts to lead GSC development. With over 60% of new container vessels being dual fuelled, this investment is crucial for maintaining the UK's competitive edge in global maritime trade.
The study proposes a Trade and Investment UK-Singapore Green Shipping Corridor (UKSGSC) to bolster the UK's position as a global financial and services hub alongside Singapore. This initiative is expected to enhance the UK's trade and investment prospects in the wider ASEAN markets.
Dr Stavros Karamperidis , Head of MTRG at the University of Plymouth, presented the findings to key UK Government Maritime stakeholders and at the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) conference in Birmingham in September 2024. The presentation received exceptional feedback from senior members of the UK maritime sector.

Our work could impact the UK and ASEAN economies as it could drive not only sustainability but also economic prosperity amongst UK and ASEAN region. I am glad the senior industry experts realise the importance and opportunities that Green shipping corridors could achieve and are willing to collaborate in further studies with our prestigious Maritime Transport Research Group.

Stavros KaramperidisDr Stavros Karamperidis
Head of Maritime Transport Research Group

Why this matters

This research is crucial for the UK's maritime future and global sustainability efforts. As the shipping industry faces pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, Green Shipping Corridors offer a practical solution to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. For the UK, this research could secure its position as a key player in future global trade, strengthen ties with the ASEAN region, and create economic benefits. By addressing the challenges highlighted in the study, the UK can gain a competitive advantage in the green shipping sector, potentially attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving innovation in sustainable maritime technologies.
This study underscores the MTRG and Plymouth Business School's strong industry connections and commitment to advancing sustainable maritime economics and logistics. Several key stakeholders, including the Department for Transport and the UK Hydrographic Office, participated in the study.
For more information about this groundbreaking research and potential collaboration opportunities, please visit the Plymouth Business School News and Events page.
Hannah Fleming-Hill, BSc (Hons) Events Management and MSc Entrepreneurship graduate, Plymouth Business School

Plymouth Business School

Cargo ships entering one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore.

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