DP World sets new carbon reduction goals after receiving SBTI validation

UAE-based logistics giant DP World has committed to new carbon reduction targets after receiving validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its commitment to reducing carbon footprint.

The SBTi is a global authority in advancing private sector progress to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to help prevent the impacts of climate change.

The validation highlights the effectiveness of DP World’s current progress and ambitious plans, as well as its sustainability strategy ‘Our World, Our Future’.

The aim of the strategy is to significantly reduce the company’s own emissions while also helping clients achieve their Scope 3 reduction targets.

Furthermore, the global trade major committed to reducing scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2022 base year).

DP World also pledged to reduce scope 2 GHG emissions by 62.2%, and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 28% within the same timeframe.

“DP World is committed to leading the supply chain industry towards a more sustainable and efficient future, and ultimately achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The SBTi’s validation confirms the strength and ambition of our plans as we remain committed to playing a pivotal role in uniting our industry for a better tomorrow,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World said.

“We are delighted to have achieved SBTi validation and we will continue to drive progress in a range of areas, including equipment electrification, renewable energy, efficiency, and low carbon fuels. Furthermore, we look forward to driving increased collaboration through industry-wide initiatives such as green trade corridors and portside electrification as seen with our Zero Emissions Port Alliance,” Piotr Konopka, Group Vice President at DP World, Global Decarbonisation & Energy, stated.

In recent years, DP World has embarked on several projects to make its emissions reduction targets a reality.

Last year, DP World and the Netherlands-based terminal operator APM Terminals formed the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA), an industry-wide strategic coalition aiming to accelerate the journey to zero emissions for container handling equipment (CHE) at ports.

The logistics giant entered a strategic partnership with Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping in 2022, whereby DP World committed to long-term strategic collaboration and contribution to the development of zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry.

The company also joined the First Movers Coalition (FMC), setting a target of 5% of its marine power to come from hybrid engines and zero-emission fuels by 2030.

DP World has worked to advance fuel efficiency and alternative fuel adoption, as well as the introduction of new, more efficient vessels across its network, including an agreement for methanol-capable container feeder vessels in Europe by 2026.

Unifeeder Group, a part of DP World Marine Services, recently signed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-powered containerships, following a deal signed in October 2023 for two initial methanol-capable ships.