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.”
For more information contact communications@bluesky-maritime.org.
About Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (the Coalition) a non-profit corporation, is a strategic alliance formed to accelerate the transition of waterborne transportation in Canada and the United States toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Coalition brings together industry, community, government, academic leadership and other stakeholders across the waterborne transportation value chain to action projects that remove barriers to accelerating development, encourage innovation, and promote policies in support of zero emissions. Learn more at www.bluesky-maritime.org.
About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.
About Port Houston
As the leading advocate for the Ship Channel, Port Houston drives economic opportunities forward every day. Led by a seven-member Board of Port Commissioners and 13 executive staff members, our professional team maintains exceptional efficiency in advancing the flow of seaborne cargo on a global scale. Through successful community initiatives and partnerships worldwide, the Port adopts leading-edge technologies and ongoing improvements in productivity, reliability, and resiliency.
Christopher J. Wiernicki
ABS Chairman and CEO
Rich Byrnes
Port Houston Chief Infrastructure Officer
David Cummins
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition President and CEO
The Honorable Alexander De Croo, Belgium Prime Minister, and David Cummins, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition President and CEO
