DP World has unveiled the world’s first carbon inset programme for container ports, aiming to help cargo importers reduce emissions in their supply chains.
The six-month trial, starting 1 January 2025, will operate at DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton hubs.
The Carbon Inset Programme offers participating businesses 50kg of CO₂e carbon credits for every loaded import container handled at DP World’s UK terminals. These credits, issued quarterly, are independently certified and demonstrate efforts to cut indirect (Scope 3) emissions in supply chains.
Unlike traditional carbon offsets that fund external environmental projects, insets deliver emissions reductions directly within a company’s logistics network. DP World generates these inset credits through its subsidiary, Unifeeder, which utilises lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping routes.
“This programme offers a transparent, direct approach with measurable impacts on reducing emissions for our customers,” said John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World UK. “Import cargo owners can actively contribute to decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their sustainability goals.”
If half of the import volume at DP World’s UK terminals participates in the trial, the initiative could replace over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuels, equating to a reduction of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
The initiative builds on DP World’s Modal Shift Programme, which reduced emissions by over 17,000 tonnes in its first year, earning the company the ‘Transport and Mobility Project of the Year’ award at the edie Net Zero Awards in November.
Christian Hoepfner, Director Group Decarbonisation at Unifeeder, commented: “We are proud to support DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme by contributing verified greenhouse gas reductions generated by our vessels operating in Europe.”
Businesses are encouraged to register for the trial by 31 December 2024 to access free carbon inset credits. Click here to register
