DP World has supported the 100% HVO bunkering of the Svitzer Bargate at the Port of Southampton, avoiding over 900 tonnes of CO2e annually. This operational milestone enables a fivefold increase in DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme, rewarding cargo owners with 250kg of verified carbon credits per container to tackle Scope 3 supply chain emissions through 2026.
Southampton, UK | February 2026 – In a landmark collaboration for “last nautical mile” decarbonization, DP World has announced a massive expansion of its Carbon Inset Programme at the Port of Southampton. The move is powered by a strategic partnership with Svitzer, which has successfully transitioned its tugboat operations to 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Collaboration in Action: The Svitzer Bargate
The technical breakthrough centers on the Svitzer Bargate, which recently completed bunkering with 100% HVO at the Port of Southampton. Unlike conventional diesel, HVO is a renewable “drop-in” biofuel that requires no engine modifications while slashing lifecycle CO2e emissions.
Svitzer confirmed that this transition is a “great example of how collaboration can deliver measurable emissions reductions.” By greening the towage services required for every port call, the two companies are tackling a critical but often overlooked segment of the maritime supply chain.
Strategic Impact: 5x More Credits for Importers
The emissions saved by Svitzer’s tug operations directly feed into DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme. Due to “exceptional demand” and the successful integration of lower-carbon fuels, DP World has significantly upscaled the incentives for 2026:
- The Credit Jump: Registered cargo owners now receive 250kg CO2e in carbon inset credits for every loaded import container, up from 50kg at launch.
- Annual Savings: The use of HVO on tugs is projected to avoid more than 900 metric tonnes of CO2e annually.
- Scope 3 Ambitions: These credits allow cargo owners to report verified emissions reductions occurring directly within their own supply chain, rather than through external offsets.
The “Insetting” Advantage
While traditional carbon offsetting funds projects like reforestation in distant regions, carbon insetting addresses emissions at the source. This approach is increasingly preferred by corporate ESG directors because it represents a tangible improvement in the carbon intensity of the actual logistics path.
“The emissions savings contribute to DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme, helping customers reduce emissions at the source and support their Scope 3 ambitions,” Svitzer stated.
Technical Breakdown: Transparency & Verification
To ensure the integrity of these “world-first” credits, the programme utilizes advanced digital tracking:
- Tracking: Svitzer utilizes the 123Carbon platform to record HVO deployment and generate tokens for CO2 saved.
- Certification: Emissions reductions are independently verified by Verifavia, providing cargo owners with audit-grade proof for their sustainability disclosures.
The HVO Advantage: A ‘Drop-In’ Decarbonization Solution
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a second-generation, paraffinic renewable diesel that serves as a seamless “drop-in” replacement for conventional marine gas oil (MGO). Unlike first-generation biodiesels (FAME), HVO is produced through a hydro-processing treatment that eliminates oxygen, resulting in a chemically stable fuel that is resistant to oxidation and “diesel bug” during long-term storage.
For vessel operators like Svitzer, the primary appeal lies in its immediate impact: HVO requires zero engine modifications and offers a well-to-wake CO2e reduction of up to 90%, while simultaneously reducing nitrogen oxides NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions.
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