A green maritime corridor between Santander and the United Kingdom would save €18 million and reduce emissions by 68%.

 

The creation of a Green Maritime Corridor between the port of Santander and several ports of Reino Unido Not only is it technically feasible, but it could generate savings of up to 18 millones de euros and reduce emissions by 68%. This is revealed in the report. “Exploring the potential of establishing a green corridor between the ports of Santander and the United Kingdom”, prepared by the independent consulting firm Ricardo PLC and commissioned by the British embassy in Madrid.

 

The study, presented at the port of Santander, emphasizes that the transition to cleaner fuels, such as bio-LNG, is not only an environmental necessity, but a strategic decision with a clear long-term economic return for logistics operators.

 

A Strategic Boost for Decarbonization

 

During the presentation of the report, Sarah CowleyThe Minister-Counselor of the British Embassy highlighted her country's strong commitment to sustainability in maritime transport. "Our Maritime Decarbonization Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap: to reduce the sector's emissions by at least 30% by 2030, and 80% by 2040," she stated. Cowley He added that green corridors "are not just decarbonized shipping routes, but also international cooperation platforms that allow for concentrating investments, accelerating innovation, and generating scale in the use of clean fuels and technologies.”

 

For its part, César Díaz, President of the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander (APS) thanked the British Embassy for choosing the Cantabrian port for this analysis. Díaz He acknowledged the operators' involvement in the preparation of the study and highlighted its suitability. Santander for this project, framed within the agreement of understanding signed between España and the Reino Unido to promote zero-emission shipping routes.

 

Route Analysis and Economic Profitability

 

The report of Ricardo PLC It focused on two key routes that connect Santander ’s relationship with the Reino Unido e Irlanda: the Ro-Ro route (road traffic) Santander Pasajes Portburyand the container one Santander Dublí Liverpool.

 

The economic analysis is conclusive: the adoption of bio-LNG The Ro-Ro route would represent a cumulative cost of €382 million by 2050. This figure, although high, is lower than the €400 million it would cost to continue operating with conventional fossil fuels. The €18 million difference in favor of the sustainable option comes from avoiding the increasing penalties that will be imposed by European regulations and frameworks. Organización Marítima Internacional (IMO) on carbon emissions.

 

Comparative cost analysis of the Ro-Ro route until 2050

Concept	Cost with Fossil Fuels	Cost with Bio-LNG	Estimated Net Savings
Ruta Santander Pasajes Portbury	400 millones de euros	382 millones de euros	18 millones de euros

 

The Competitive Advantage of the Port of Santander

 

The study analyzes six types of alternative fuels, concluding that the bio-LNG It is the optimal solution for these routes for three fundamental reasons:

 

• Emission reduction: It is the technically viable option that offers the greatest reduction in carbon footprint, with up to 68% less emissions.
• Long-term profitability: It is the most economical alternative when considering the impact of future regulatory sanctions on fossil fuels.
• Immediate availability: The port of Santander It has LNG supply capacity from 2024, giving it a operational and strategic advantage compared to other ports in the corridor.

 

Thanks to its leadership in roll-on/roll-off cargo and its high rate of rail-port intermodality on the northern coast of Spain, César Díaz He stated that these figures “make us ideally suited” to lead these corridors. The project would be complemented by a rail freight corridor between the port of Santander y Madrid, with the aim of “consolidating a sustainable model for long-distance freight mobility”.

 

Among the final recommendations, the report urges the initiation of a comprehensive feasibility study within the next two years and the formalization of a dialogue with British and Irish operators and ports to bring the project to fruition.

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Santander-United Kingdom Green Corridor

How does this green corridor affect Spanish exporting companies?

For exporting companies, this corridor represents an opportunity to improve their competitiveness. Operating through decarbonized routes could not only reduce long-term logistics costs by avoiding carbon taxes, but also strengthen their position in markets that value sustainability (ESG), aligning with the demands of European customers and regulators.

 

What role does bio-LNG play and why is it the preferred option?

Bio-LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas of biological origin) is key because it is a mature technology that allows for a drastic reduction in emissions (up to 68%) with current infrastructure. It is the most cost-effective option in the long term, as it avoids the increasing economic penalties associated with fossil fuels. Furthermore, the Port of Santander already has the capacity to supply it, which accelerates its implementation.

 

What are the next steps and what implications do they have for the logistics sector?

The next step is to conduct a full feasibility study over the next two years and initiate a formal dialogue with the ports and operators of the Reino Unido e IrlandaFor the Spanish logistics sector, this implies the need to prepare for an energy transition, adapt fleets and processes, and explore investment opportunities in infrastructure and clean technologies in order to remain competitive.