Hapag-Lloyd cuts carbon footprint by 0.8M tonnes

German container shipping major Hapag-Lloyd managed to reduce the absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its fleet by 0.8 million tonnes in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The achievement was revealed in the company’s Sustainability Report 2023 outlining various measures and initiatives.

As one of the measures, the carrier significantly increased the amount of bunkered biofuel blend to more than 200,000 tonnes. During the reporting period, 45 vessels belonging to Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet were refueled with biofuel.

2023 also saw the successful deployment of three of the company’s twelve new dual-fuel vessels, which can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and future alternative fuels. These fuel-efficient 23,600 TEU ships are expected to help the company on its journey to operating a net-zero fleet by 2045.

Another milestone was the launch of Ship Green, a biofuel-based solution for emissions-reduced ocean transportation which allows Hapag-Lloyd’s clients to choose between three levels of CO2e reduction.

Recognizing the need for the shipping industry to pull in the same direction, Hapag-Lloyd joined forces with four of the world’s leading shipping lines. Together, the carriers issued a statement calling for an end date for fossil fuel-powered newbuilds. The declaration also urges the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to create regulatory conditions to ensure a successful energy transition and a level playing field for all players in the shipping industry.

Moreover, the company joined the Green Corridor Consortium, an initiative between the ports of Rotterdam and Singapore to cut GHG emissions on this vital shipping route.

The company said it is firmly committed to playing its part in society and helping to keep global warming in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, for example through fleet optimization programmes, the introduction of new propulsion technologies and the use of alternative fuels.

“It goes without saying that sustainable and responsible practices are of utmost importance to us,” Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, said.

“In today’s global landscape, decarbonisation and social responsibility are imperatives, not choices, and we are firmly determined to do our part,” he added.

With a fleet of 266 vessels and an annual transport volume of approximately 11.9 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company, according to Alphaliner.