DP World is trialling a carbon reduction initiative to cut emissions at UK logistics hubs.
- The Carbon Inset Programme begins on 1 January 2025 and will last for six months.
- Importers earn carbon credits for each loaded container passing through DP World’s UK terminals.
- The initiative encourages reduction of indirect, or Scope 3, emissions in supply chains.
- DP World aims for significant reductions in marine fuel-related carbon emissions.
DP World has initiated a pivotal programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions at its UK logistics hubs, specifically London Gateway and Southampton. This trial, known as the Carbon Inset Programme, is set to commence on the first day of 2025, and will run for an initial period of six months. Within this timeframe, importers stand to gain an allocation of 50 kilograms of carbon credits for every loaded import container they transport through DP World’s terminals located in the UK.
The credits under this programme, distinct from traditional offset credits, signify a tangible decrease in emissions achieved within the participating company’s own supply chain. DP World underscores the significance of such credits as reflecting genuine emission reductions as opposed to external compensatory measures like tree planting. “Unlike traditional carbon offset credits, which compensate for emissions through external projects like tree planting, inset credits reflect a tangible reduction in emissions achieved directly in a company’s own supply chain,” remarked a DP World representative.
These inset credits are generated courtesy of DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, through the employment of lower-carbon fuels throughout its Northern European shipping operations. The credits are subsequently verified and aggregated, thereby enabling registered importers to access credits that are independently certified. This represents a transparent methodology for firms to effectively reduce their Scope 3 emissions—those indirectly generated throughout the supply chain.
The inception of DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme builds upon the success previously observed in its Modal Shift initiative. This earlier programme successfully curtailed emissions for partner firms by over 17,000 tonnes within its inaugural year. John Trenchard, DP World’s vice president of commercial & supply chain, UK, highlights the programme’s efficacy: “Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers.”
With 50% participation from import volume, DP World estimates a potential substitution of over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuels with lower-carbon marine fuels. This initiative is projected to reduce a corresponding 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, thus contributing substantially to global decarbonisation ambitions.
DP World’s carbon inset initiative marks a significant stride towards reducing shipping-related emissions and promoting sustainability in logistics.
