DP World is setting a new standard in carbon reduction efforts with the launch of the world’s first Container Port Carbon Inset Programme, aimed at helping cargo importers reduce their carbon emissions. Starting on 1 January 2025, this innovative initiative will be trialled at DP World’s UK logistics hubs, London Gateway and Southampton, for an initial six-month period. The programme offers a significant opportunity for businesses to actively reduce their indirect (Scope 3) emissions and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.
The programme is designed to reward importers with carbon credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s UK terminals. For each container, importers will receive 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits, which will be issued quarterly. These credits are independently certified, showcasing the participating companies’ commitment to reducing their supply chain emissions and demonstrating their sustainability efforts to customers.
What makes this programme unique is its focus on carbon “insetting” rather than offsetting. Unlike traditional carbon offset credits, which compensate for emissions through external projects such as tree planting or renewable energy projects, inset credits reflect a real, tangible reduction in emissions that happens directly within a company’s own supply chain. This innovative approach allows businesses to directly impact their emissions reduction while maintaining control over the process.
DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme is backed by its subsidiary, Unifeeder, which operates a low-carbon shipping network across Northern Europe. Unifeeder uses incrementally lower-carbon fuels in its vessels, generating the carbon credits through verified GHG reductions. These credits are pooled and made available to registered importers who can then access independently certified carbon credits, ensuring transparency and credibility in the emission reduction process.
For businesses, this programme offers a clear, measurable way to reduce Scope 3 emissions—those that occur indirectly along the supply chain. By participating in the initiative, businesses can meet their sustainability targets and showcase their commitment to green logistics practices. The initiative also aligns with DP World’s broader sustainability goals and offers a practical solution for companies looking to achieve significant reductions in their carbon footprint.
This programme builds upon DP World’s previous successes in sustainability, including the award-winning Modal Shift Programme. Launched in 2023, the Modal Shift Programme has already reduced emissions by more than 17,000 tonnes in its first year. These efforts earned DP World the prestigious ‘Transport and Mobility Project of the Year’ award at the edie Net Zero awards in November 2023.
John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World UK, emphasized the importance of the new initiative: “At DP World, we are constantly exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions across our customers’ supply chains. 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. Through this trial, a world first, import cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their own sustainability goals.”
The potential impact of the programme is significant. If 50% of import volume at DP World’s UK container terminals participates in the trial, it could replace over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuels with lower-carbon marine fuels, leading to a reduction of approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Christian Hoepfner, Director of Group Decarbonisation at Unifeeder, added: “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.”
Businesses interested in participating in this groundbreaking trial are encouraged to sign up before 31 December 2024. The registration process is simple, and businesses can either Click the Link Gere or reach out to DP World for further details.
DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme marks a major milestone in the global effort to decarbonize supply chains and offers a forward-thinking solution to help businesses achieve their environmental goals while contributing to the wider movement towards sustainable logistics practices.
About DP World
Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, driving growth, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for people across the world. At DP World, our mission is clear: to make the world’s trade flow better and to transform what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.
With a dedicated and diverse team of over 114,000 employees from 162 nationalities, operating in 78 countries across six continents, DP World is at the forefront of reshaping global trade. We are committed to pushing trade further and faster, developing a seamless supply chain that is not only efficient but also future-ready.
Our business spans multiple sectors, including Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics, and Technology. By rapidly transforming and integrating these businesses, we are creating stronger and more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions. This integration of global infrastructure with local expertise is key to revolutionizing the way the world trades.
We are also dedicated to innovation, constantly investing in new technologies to improve trade processes. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we are at the cutting edge of disruptive technology. These innovations are helping to minimize disruptions and streamline the flow of goods from the factory floor to the customer’s door, making the entire supply chain more resilient and efficient.
At DP World, we don’t just make trade flow—we change what’s possible for everyone involved in the process, from businesses to consumers, by creating better ways to trade and fostering growth around the world.
Source DP World