HAMR Energy Backs Shanghai–Melbourne Green Shipping Corridor's 2035 Plan

HAMR Energy is supporting the implementation of the Shanghai–Melbourne Green Shipping Corridor, which aims to introduce container vessels powered by non-fossil, low-carbon fuels between Australia and China by 2035. In an update published on 5 November 2026, the Australian renewable fuels developer outlined its role in the initiative, following the launch of an Implementation Plan by the Port of Melbourne, Port of Shanghai and C40 Cities on 21 October. The plan establishes measures to expand alternative marine fuels, improve port infrastructure and reduce shipping emissions.

 

The corridor builds on a memorandum of understanding signed at the 2025 North Bund Forum and focuses on four areas: alternative fuels, including green methanol and biofuels; shore power at the Port of Melbourne; digital port and voyage optimization; and integrated supply chain cooperation. These measures aim to support deploying at least one low-carbon container vessel on the route by 2035. The partnership includes Shanghai International Port Group, COSCO Shipping Lines, China Classification Society and the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, with C40 Cities facilitating cooperation.

 

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HAMR Energy is participating as a fuel production and supply partner alongside ABEL Energy and Shenergy. Its involvement builds on experience supplying lower-emission marine fuels, including a 2026 pilot conducted with BHP and the Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD). For that project, HAMR supplied tallow-derived biodiesel bunkered in Singapore onto the bulk carrier Berge Lyngor for an iron ore voyage from Port Hedland to China. The fuel blend was expected to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 79% compared with conventional very low sulfur fuel oil.

 

The company is also developing its Portland Renewable Fuels project in Australia, which aims to produce renewable methanol using forestry residues. The planned facility could contribute to future low-carbon fuel supplies for shipping and aviation, although production and supply commitments for the Shanghai–Melbourne corridor remain unconfirmed.

 

Kevin Austin, Deputy Executive Director of C40 Cities, said, "The Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan responds to that urgency with a clear and phased pathway." The next phase will involve coordinating fuel producers, shipping operators and port authorities to establish the infrastructure and commercial arrangements required for low-carbon vessel deployment.

 

Source: HAMR Energy