Germany-based container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd and logistics firm DHL Global Forwarding have signed a three-year pact focused on reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The agreement covers the purchase of emission reductions generated by the use of sustainable marine fuels across Hapag-Lloyd’s shipping operations.
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Hapag-Lloyd aims to reach net-zero fleet emissions by 2045 and DHL targets net-zero emissions by 2050.
DHL Global Forwarding global ocean freight head Casper Ellerbaek said: “The signing of this three-year framework agreement marks a crucial step toward realising our shared vision of a decarbonised shipping industry.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hapag-Lloyd in driving the adoption of sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim mechanism, ultimately empowering our customers to achieve their climate goals.”
Under the deal, the initial order for the avoidance of 25,000t of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) “well-to-wake” emissions was completed in July this year.
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By GlobalDataThe biofuels used for this initiative are produced from waste and residue feedstock. Both companies have stated that this approach aligns with their efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
According to both the companies, the latest agreement uses the “book and claim” chain of custody model, which allows decarbonisation efforts to be separated from the physical transportation.
This mechanism allows customers to account Scope 3 emission reductions associated with their shipments independently of the actual physical use of the fuel on their specific transport route.
The “decoupling” approach seeks to address challenges associated with the limited availability and higher costs associated with sustainable marine fuels, stated the companies.
Hapag-Lloyd has maintained a programme using second-generation biofuels since 2020. The company has enabled customers to claim corresponding emission reductions through its “Ship Green” ocean transport offering since 2023.
DHL’s emissions reduction efforts are supported by its GoGreen Plus products, which use sustainable fuels and low-carbon technologies via the “book and claim” methodology.
These products allow DHL customers to address their Scope 3 emissions from transport activities and assist in voluntary greenhouse gas reporting.
Hapag-Lloyd global sales managing director Danny Smolders said: “We are delighted to have completed this order with DHL, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of using sustainable marine fuels to reduce Scope 3 emissions through our Ship Green product.”
In March this year, Hapag-Lloyd launched the Container Payment Portal (CPP) in collaboration with PayCargo and Gnosis Freight.
The CPP aims to simplify cargo movement and payment processes for customers and terminal operators in the US.
