Global logistics leader DP World and towage operator Svitzer have bunkered the harbour tug Svitzer Thames with 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at London Gateway. Switching from conventional marine diesel to HVO is projected to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 700 metric tonnes annually per tug while enabling cargo owners to tackle Scope 3 supply chain emissions at the source.
London, United Kingdom | July 13, 2026 – Port terminal operator DP World and global towage specialist Svitzer have reached a major port decarbonization milestone in the UK, completing the first-ever bunkering of a harbour tug using 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at London Gateway.
The deployment of HVO100 aboard the 80-tonne bollard pull tug Svitzer Thames, which assists some of the world’s largest ultra-large container vessels docking at the Thames Estuary hub, marks a decisive shift toward low-carbon marine services in the UK’s major container trades.
Key Bunkering & Environmental Metrics
| Metric / Parameter | Value / Details |
| Vessel Name | Svitzer Thames (Built 2021, UK-flagged) |
| Location | London Gateway, United Kingdom |
| Fuel Type | 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO / Biofuel) |
| Replaced Fuel | Marine Gasoil (MGO) / Conventional Marine Diesel |
| Annual Emissions Reduction | Up to 700 metric tonnes of CO2 per vessel |
| Core Impact | Reduces Scope 3 supply chain emissions & improves local air quality |
Decarbonizing the “Last Nautical Mile”
The transition to drop-in biofuels for harbour towage directly targets the critical “last nautical mile” of ship operations, the approach, berth-side maneuvering, and escort phases of ocean carriers.
By switching from fossil-based marine gasoil to second-generation renewable HVO fuel, the Svitzer Thames drastically reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without requiring engine modifications or capital-intensive infrastructure upgrades.
“DP World and Svitzer are working together to use biofuel on tugs to reduce emissions in the UK, enabling cargo owners to actively reduce supply chain emissions at the source,” stated DP World. “By transitioning to this lower lifecycle emissions solution, we are helping our customers tackle Scope 3 emissions and meet their sustainability goals along the supply chain.”
Operational Flexibility and Local Air Quality
HVO is a drop-in paraffinic diesel fuel produced from waste feedstocks like used cooking oil and tallow. It is fully compatible with modern marine diesel engines and offers distinct environmental benefits over conventional bunker fuels:
- Immediate Carbon Savings: Cuts lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 85–90% compared to standard marine gasoil on a well-to-wake basis.
- Local Air Improvement: Eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) and significantly reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions in dense port environments like the Thames Estuary.
- Insetting & Traceability: The emissions reductions generated by HVO operations feed into carbon insetting programs, allowing shippers to claim verified carbon reductions directly within their transport value chain.
Broader Port Strategy
This latest bunkering initiative builds on DP World and Svitzer’s expanding biofuel footprint across the UK. A similar operation was established earlier at DP World Southampton, where the service tug Svitzer Bargate was transitioned to HVO100.
Combined with shore-power installations at Gravesend and electrification efforts across port handling equipment, the widespread adoption of renewable diesel on towage fleets underscores a rapidly accelerating push toward net-zero terminal operations across northern European supply chains.
About DP World
DP World is a global leader in end-to-end supply chain logistics, operating a vast network of ports, terminals, and marine services across 83 countries. With a workforce of over 119,000, the company integrates physical infrastructure with advanced technology to streamline global trade. In the UK, DP World operates major hubs at London Gateway and Southampton, driving maritime decarbonization through its “world-first” Carbon Inset Programme and the transition to sustainable fuels.
About Svitzer
Founded in 1833, Svitzer builds on nearly 200 years of experience, providing port and terminal towage services worldwide. Operating a fleet of 456 vessels, Svitzer serves approximately 2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries, reinforcing its position as a key player in global maritime infrastructure.
Source: DP World | Svitzer