DP World rolls out ‘world’s first’ container port carbon inset program

UAE-based logistics major DP World has launched what it says to be the “world’s first” container port carbon inset program as part of its carbon reduction program at UK logistics hubs, London Gateway and Southampton.

As disclosed, starting from January 1, 2025, for an initial six-month trial, the Carbon Inset Program will reward importers with 50 kg CO2e of carbon credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s UK terminals.

These independently certified credits, issued quarterly, will showcase participating companies’ efforts to reduce the indirect (Scope 3) emissions in their supply chains.

Unlike traditional carbon offset credits, which compensate for emissions through external projects like tree planting, inset credits reflect a tangible reduction in emissions achieved directly in a company’s supply chain, DP World noted.

The inset credits are generated through DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, which deploys lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping network.

According to the logistics giant, these credits are verified and pooled, allowing registered importers to access independently certified carbon credits. For businesses, this represents a transparent and measurable way to cut Scope 3 emissions – indirectly produced along the supply chain, DP World said.

As part of its decarbonization strategy, Unifeeder recently launched a new carbon insetting solution to decarbonize the seaborne sections of its supply chains. The solution GreenBox tracks these shipments and generates tokens for each ton of carbon saved.

DP highlighted that if 50% of import volume participates in the trial at the UK container terminals, this could replace over 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel with lower-carbon marine fuels, equivalent to reducing 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. 

“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,” John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World in the UK, said.

“By participating in the trial, a world first, import cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their own sustainability goals.” 

“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,” Christian Hoepfner, Director Group Decarbonisation at Unifeeder Group, added.

The inset initiative builds on DP World’s Modal Shift Program, which reduced emissions for its partners by more than 17,000 tonnes in its first year. The global trade major committed to reducing Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2022 base year). Furthermore, it pledged to reduce Scope 2 GHG emissions by 62.2% and reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 28% within the same timeframe.