Norway, Netherlands and Brazil Advance Green Shipping Corridor Plan

Norway, the Netherlands and Brazil are advancing plans to establish a green shipping corridor linking Europe and South America, marking a significant step toward reducing emissions from international maritime transport. The initiative is expected to support the development of low- and zero-emission shipping routes while accelerating the use of cleaner marine fuels.

The three countries recently completed a feasibility study examining the potential for a transatlantic green shipping corridor connecting Brazil with major European ports. The study assessed opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner fuel technologies, improved infrastructure and closer international cooperation.

The initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Norway and Brazil in February 2025 to promote sustainable maritime transport and support decarbonisation across the shipping sector. The Netherlands has since joined the effort, expanding cooperation on green shipping solutions and climate-friendly maritime trade.

As a next step, the participating countries plan to launch a joint research and development programme in 2026 to further evaluate fuel supply chains, port readiness and technological requirements for low-emission shipping. Officials said the collaboration could help accelerate the transition to cleaner maritime transport while strengthening sustainable trade links between Europe and South America.

The project aligns with broader international efforts to decarbonise the shipping industry, which accounts for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed corridor is expected to contribute to climate goals while supporting innovation in sustainable maritime infrastructure and alternative fuels.

Multi-country green-shipping corridors are increasingly the practical mechanism for maritime decarbonisation, and they define which routes, ports and fuel infrastructure get prioritised. Our energy-transition and supply-chain-and-operations teams help shipping lines, ports and cargo owners evaluate corridor participation and CII/IMO-compliant fleet strategy.