UECC – In a landmark recognition of progress toward maritime decarbonization, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has presented its 2025 Sustainability Achievement Award to United European Car Carriers (UECC). This award honors the shipping company’s exceptional contributions to reducing logistics-related carbon emissions through its early and innovative adoption of low-carbon marine fuels and hybrid energy technologies.
The award was formally presented during TME’s annual business meeting in Brussels, attended by over 500 stakeholders including key suppliers, partners, and corporate leadership.
“It is a great honor to receive this coveted award from a highly valued customer with which we have had a long-term collaboration stretching back more than three decades,” said Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, upon receiving the award from Monica Perez Lobo, Vice President Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Toyota Motor Europe.
A Bunkering Benchmark: Accelerating Carbon-Neutral Logistics
UECC’s recognition underscores its commitment to decarbonizing short-sea logistics via the bunkering of liquefied biomethane (LBM)—a renewable and low-carbon alternative to conventional marine fuels. The company’s strategic investment in five dual and multi-fuel LNG-powered PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carriers), three of which are additionally equipped with hybrid battery systems, has proven instrumental in drastically reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the “Sail for Change” environmental initiative, UECC has ramped up LBM usage across its advanced fleet, enabling carbon-neutral transportation of over 50,000 Toyota vehicles in the past year alone. In total, UECC handled several hundred thousand Toyota units, moving cargo between all of TME’s European production plants and destination ports.
“This truly demonstrates the power of partnership in achieving our common sustainability goals by accelerating the decarbonization of shipping,” Edvardsen stated. “UECC is extremely proud to offer our clients a product that allows them to remove CO₂ from their logistics chain.”
Impact on Scope 3 Emissions and Supply Chain Sustainability
Toyota Motor Europe is targeting a 33% reduction in supply chain CO₂ emissions by 2030, compared to a 2019 baseline, en route to full carbon neutrality across logistics by 2040. These targets reflect Toyota’s leadership in the Drive Sustainability initiative, a collaboration of 11 major OEMs promoting shared standards across the automotive supply chain.
Sustainability criteria now play a central role in supplier selection, with TME evaluating partners on environmental performance, legal compliance, and ethical sourcing. UECC’s performance made it a clear leader among maritime logistics providers.
“We see UECC as a pathfinder that is pushing the boundaries for sustainable operations in European short-sea RoRo transport,” said Monica Perez Lobo. “They are showing what’s possible in terms of reducing maritime emissions and driving meaningful change.”
Fleet Expansion and Future Fuel Vision
Looking ahead, UECC plans to deepen its commitment with further investment in two next-generation multi-fuel battery hybrid PCTCs, slated for delivery in 2028. This will bring the company’s eco-friendly fleet to seven vessels, following recent additions such as the dual-fuel LNG-powered Blue Aspire.
According to Daniel Gent, UECC’s Energy & Sustainability Manager, the company is actively exploring emerging fuel solutions, with a focus on biofuels, synthetic fuels, and novel renewable energy carriers that meet stringent sustainability and commercial performance benchmarks.
“As a first mover in biofuel adoption and now LBM bunkering, we’re proud to support Toyota and other partners in their green transition,” Gent noted. “Beyond regulatory compliance under EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, our focus is on delivering measurable environmental value while preparing for a net-zero future.”
About UECC
United European Car Carriers (UECC) is a leading provider of sustainable shortsea transportation services for cars and other rolling cargo in Europe. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company operates a fleet of eco-friendly vessels, including dual-fuel LNG and hybrid battery-powered PCTCs. UECC is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 while advancing sustainable practices in the shipping industry.
Source United European Car Carriers