.png)
Image: DP World London Gateway Credit: DP World
UAE-based logistics leader DP World has unveiled what it describes as the “world’s first” container port carbon inset initiative. This innovative program, a key component of the company’s broader carbon reduction strategy, will debut at its UK logistics hubs – London Gateway and Southampton – starting January 1, 2025. The pilot phase, set to last six months, offers a compelling incentive: importers will earn 50 kilograms of CO2e carbon credits for every loaded import container routed through DP World’s UK terminals.
The credits, certified independently and issued quarterly, are designed to showcase participating businesses' commitment to curbing their Scope 3 emissions—indirect greenhouse gas emissions that often pose significant challenges within supply chains.
Unlike traditional carbon offsets involving external projects such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives, these inset credits reflect real, measurable emissions reductions achieved directly within the supply chain. DP World emphasizes that this tangible approach makes a significant difference by targeting the operational core of emissions.
These inset credits are generated through Unifeeder, a DP World subsidiary that has integrated lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping network. By leveraging this cleaner alternative, Unifeeder enables a shift toward greener logistics. Once verified and pooled, the credits are made available to registered importers, providing a transparent and quantifiable path to tackling Scope 3 emissions.
For businesses striving to enhance their environmental credentials, this initiative offers a credible and proactive way to reduce supply chain emissions – a move that can simultaneously align with corporate sustainability goals.
As part of its decarbonization push, DP World introduced GreenBox, a tracking tool under Unifeeder. GreenBox monitors seaborne shipments and generates tokens that quantify the carbon savings achieved for every ton of emissions avoided. The potential impact is staggering: if 50% of import volumes participate in this pilot program, it could displace over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel with lower-carbon marine alternatives, equating to 10,000 tonnes of CO2 reductions.
This inset program complements DP World’s Modal Shift initiative, which has already delivered significant results. In its inaugural year, it promoted rail and other less carbon-intensive transport modes, cutting more than 17,000 tonnes of emissions.
“At DP World, we are constantly exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions across our customers’ supply chain s. Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers. By providing easy access to an independently certified inset programme, we aim to create better awareness and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices,” John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World in the UK, said.
“By participating in the trial, a world first, import cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their own sustainability goals.”
“At Unifeeder, we are committed to using alternative fuels to decarbonise our logistics solutions. We are supporting DP World in the UK in their innovative Carbon Inset Programme by contributing verified GHG reductions generated on our vessels operating in Europe,” Christian Hoepfner, Director Group Decarbonisation at Unifeeder Group, added.
DP World’s ambitions extend far beyond individual projects. Based on a 2022 baseline, the company is targeting a 42% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. It has also pledged to cut Scope 2 GHG emissions by 62.2% and reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 28% within the same timeframe. These targets underline DP World’s determination to lead the logistics industry toward a more sustainable future.
By spearheading initiatives like the Carbon Inset Program, DP World underscores its commitment to innovation and provides a replicable model for reducing supply chain emissions on a global scale.
Comments