DP World has initiated a groundbreaking carbon reduction trial at its UK logistics hubs, London Gateway and Southampton, to aid cargo importers in cutting emissions.
- The Carbon Inset Programme, starting on January 1, 2025, will reward importers with carbon credits for reducing emissions within their own supply chains.
- This innovative approach involves direct emission reductions, unlike traditional offsets, through the use of lower-carbon fuels in DP World’s shipping network.
- John Trenchard highlights the programme’s transparent and pragmatic approach to measuring immediate supply chain impact and sustainability efforts.
- If 50% participation is achieved, the trial could significantly cut emissions, replacing over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel with lower carbon alternatives.
DP World is spearheading a carbon reduction initiative at its London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs, aimed at supporting cargo importers in reducing their emissions. The Carbon Inset Programme, an initial six-month trial set to commence on January 1, 2025, offers importers 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits for each loaded import container processed through DP World’s UK terminals. These credits, independently certified and issued quarterly, aim to showcase participating companies’ proactive efforts in cutting indirect (Scope 3) emissions within their supply chains.
Unlike conventional carbon offset credits, which address emissions through external projects such as tree planting, the inset credits represent a direct reduction of emissions achieved within a company’s own supply chain. DP World stated that these inset credits are generated by its subsidiary, Unifeeder, which employs lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping network. The verified credits are pooled and accessible to registered importers, providing a measurable and transparent method to lower Scope-3 emissions.
The Carbon Inset Programme builds on the success of DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, which successfully reduced emissions for its partners by over 17,000 tonnes in its first year. John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World in the UK, emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering sustainable practices. He remarked, “Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers.” By offering an independently certified inset programme, DP World aims to enhance awareness and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices among importers.
Participants in this world-first trial have the opportunity to actively contribute to global decarbonization efforts while aligning with their own sustainability objectives. Should 50% of the import volume engage with the trial at DP World’s UK terminals, it could replace more than 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel with lower-carbon marine fuels, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 10,000 tonnes, as noted by the UAE-based operator.
DP World’s innovative trial not only benefits importers but also paves the way for substantial emission reductions in global supply chains.
