DP World has initiated a novel carbon reduction trial at its London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs.
- Starting January 2025, the six-month programme offers importers carbon credits for each container moved.
- Importers receive 50kg CO₂e credits per loaded container, promoting emissions reduction in supply chains.
- These credits differ from traditional offsets by cutting emissions directly within a company’s own logistics.
- The initiative could significantly lower carbon use, potentially replacing 11,000 tonnes of fossil fuels.
DP World is pioneering a carbon reduction effort at its UK logistics hubs, specifically targeting its London Gateway and Southampton terminals. This six-month trial, commencing on the 1st of January, 2025, is designed to aid cargo importers in reducing their emissions footprint, a vital move towards corporate sustainability.
Participants in this innovative programme will earn carbon credits for each loaded import container processed through DP World’s UK terminals. Specifically, importers are awarded 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits, which are issued quarterly and serve to highlight efforts in cutting indirect emissions—known as Scope 3 emissions—within their supply chains.
Unlike traditional carbon offsets that often support external environmental projects, these inset credits denote a direct reduction in emissions achieved within a company’s logistics and supply chain operations. Such a system is made possible through DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, which employs lower-carbon fuels throughout its Northern European shipping network. The credits are independently verified, offering a transparent and accountable method for importers to reduce their carbon footprint.
This initiative builds upon DP World’s previous success with its Modal Shift Programme, which helped partners reduce emissions by over 17,000 tonnes in its inaugural year. John Trenchard, the vice president of commercial and supply chain at DP World in the UK, spoke on the programme’s advantages noting, “Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers.” He emphasized the importance of the programme in raising awareness and driving the adoption of sustainable practices among cargo owners.
Should 50% of import volume at DP World’s UK terminals engage with the trial, there’s potential to replace over 11,000 tonnes of conventional fossil fuel usage with lower carbon marine fuels, equating to a reduction of 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
DP World’s initiative marks a significant step forward in supply chain sustainability, aligning with global decarbonisation efforts.
