DP WORLD
UK CARBON INSET PROGRAMME
Helping cargo importers actively reduce their supply chain emissions at the source.
A WORLD-FIRST
WHAT IS THE
CARBON INSET PROGRAMME?
DP World UK's groundbreaking Carbon Inset Programme is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, rewarding cargo owners with carbon certificates for every loaded import container moved through DP World's UK terminals.
HELPING COMPANIES TACKLE SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS IN THEIR SUPPLY CHAINS
Unlike traditional carbon offsetting, which compensates for emissions through external projects like mangrove planting or reforestation, carbon insets address emissions at the source within a company's own supply chain. This approach involves targeting reductions through measures such as using cleaner fuels or more efficient transport.
By participating in this trial, <br>import cargo owners can <br>actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts, while aligning with their own sustainability goals.
EXPANDING OUTCOMES
NOW 5x MORE CREDITS
The trial, which began on 1st January 2025, was originally set to run for six months, rewarding importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon certificates for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s UK terminals.
After more than 200,000 import containers were registered, the programme has now been extended to the end of 2026 due to exceptional demand, and importers moving cargo through DP World UK ports who have registered for the programme will now qualify for 250kg CO₂e carbon inset certificates for every import-laden container, 5x the original 50kg CO₂e at launch.
At DP World, sustainability is at the forefront of our decision-making, offering customers solutions that support their own sustainability goals which in turns plays a key role in meeting our own global ambition to reduce absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050
REDUCING SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS
CARBON INSET LANES FOR ‘THE LAST NAUTICAL MILE’
The carbon inset credits are designed to help our customers demonstrate measurable improvements in the carbon intensity of marine container freight activity within their supply chains. These carbon inset certificates address >90% of the emissions associated with a full port call of container ships when maneuvering into London Gateway or Southampton over their ‘last nautical mile’, specifically now also accounting for emissions of the tug and pilot boats as well as the container terminal operations itself.
TRANSPARENT & MEASURABLE
Issued
Customers who register for the programme automatically receive certified carbon inset credits from DP World UK at no additional cost, funded through the company’s Energy Transition Contribution.
Tracked
Carbon insets generated via Unifeeder are tracked via its GreenBox platform, while Svitzer and DP World Southampton utilises the 123Carbon platform for the same purpose. Both platforms record the deployment of lower-carbon fuels and lower-carbon operations to generate tokens for each tonne of CO₂ saved.
Certified
These tokens are managed independently through the 123Carbon platform in line with the Smart Freight Centre’s methodology and are certified by Bureau Veritas for Unifeeder and DP World Southampton and Verifavia for Svitzer.
If 30% of import volume at DP World's UK ports participates, 100k tonnes of CO2 could be reduced annually by replacing fossil fuels with lower-carbon marine alternatives.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
WITH DP WORLD
REGISTER NOW AND GREEN-LIGHT YOUR LOGISTICS
Be part of the Carbon Inset Programme Trial.
Importers already enrolled in the programme will automatically benefit from the enhanced certificate offering, while new participants are encouraged to register promptly to maximise the available benefits during the trial period.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
What will happen when the trial ends?
At the end of the trial period, we will review the success of the programme, assess feedback, and evaluate overall performance before deciding on the next steps.
What is the DP World UK Carbon Inset Programme and how does it work?
Our Carbon Inset Programme is the world’s first initiative rewarding cargo owners with carbon credits for every import container moved through DP World’s UK terminals. Unlike traditional carbon offsetting, insets reduce emissions at the source within your own supply chain by using lower-carbon fuels, cleaner operations, and efficient transport solutions. Participating companies receive certified, independently verified carbon inset certificates to address their Scope 3 emissions while contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.
What are Scope 3 emissions?
Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from an organisation’s activities from assets not owned or controlled by the organisation. These are emissions upstream and downstream in their supply chain.
Which DP World UK ports participate in the Carbon Inset Programme?
The programme applies to both London Gateway and Southampton terminals.
How does the Carbon Inset Programme benefit your business?
By joining, your business can actively reduce supply chain emissions and improve sustainability reporting.
Our programme helps demonstrate measurable environmental improvements, supports ESG goals, and aligns your operations with DP World’s commitment to reducing absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
Who can register for the Carbon Inset Programme?
Our Carbon Inset Programme is for cargo owners who bring import laden or export laden containers through DP World’s UK terminals.
When is the registration period?
Registration is open until 31st December 2026. We encourage you to register as soon as possible during the trial period.
How do I register to join the DP World UK Carbon Inset Programme Initiative Trial?
Registration is free via our online form and requires some information regarding your company, including the companies GB EORI number.
Once enrolled, your containers are automatically tracked through our DP World Southampton and London Gateway Terminals via Community Network Services (CNS), therefore, there is no need for you to do anything else once your application is complete.
Our partners Unifeeder (using the GreenBox platform) and Svitzer (using 123Carbon), generate verified carbon inset certificates for every container.
All import and export declarations must be made through CNS in order to qualify. For any questions regarding registration or eligibility, please contact: [email protected]
Do I need to register twice if I am a customer at both Ports?
No, you will only be required to register once.
What should I do if my company changes name, ownership or EORI number?
In this case, please email us at [email protected] and we will assist with any necessary changes.
How long is the trial?
The trial was initially 12 months to 31st December 2025. However, due to its success, it has been extended for a further twelve months, running until 31st December 2026.
All customers who had registered before 31st December 2025 for the initiative will continue to be eligible to receive the carbon inset certificates dependant on volume of laden import during the extended trial period and no re-registration is required.
From 1st July 2026 all customers who have registered for the initiative will be eligible to receive the Container Terminal Inset Certificates (CTICs) dependant on volume of export laden containers.
With the trial being extended, do we need to register again?
No, you will not need to re-register. Your current registration will remain valid throughout the duration of the trial.
What should I do if I no longer wish to participate in the trial?
Email the team at [email protected], letting us know that you would like to de-register, and we will remove you from the trial.
When do I need to register to receive carbon inset certificates for a specific quarter?
To receive carbon inset certificates for a particular quarter, you must register before the end of that quarter. For example, if you register between 1st July 2026 and 30th September 2026, you’ll be eligible to receive certificates for Q3-2026 and future quarters based on your import laden and export laden container volumes.
How much are these insets worth?
The value of carbon inset certificates varies and is subject to supply and demand fluctuations on global carbon markets.
When will the carbon insets be issued?
Carbon insets will be issued quarterly – the first round of certificates were sent out in April 2025, second round was July 2025, and will repeat quarterly until the end of the trial.
How long are the carbon insets valid for?
Carbon insets are valid for 2 calendar years from the ‘marked as reported’ year on the certificates, which is when DP World retire the certificates on behalf of our customers. E.g. Reporting year 2025, will be valid until the end of 2027.
How can I trust that carbon has been reduced through this initiative?
Carbon insets generated through Unifeeder’s GreenBox solution which cover emissions from container ship operations are verified by Bureau Veritas, a recognised third-party verifier. Svitzer contributes by using low carbon tugboats during towage, generating additional insets hosted on the 123Carbon platform and verified by one of its approved verifiers, further strengthening the credibility and impact of the programme. DP World’s own Container Terminal Inset Certificates (CTICs) are also hosted on 123Carbon platform and verified by Bureau Veritas, a recognised third-party verifier. Each certificate provides comprehensive verification details, ensuring full transparency and traceability throughout the process.
What is the Unifeeder GreenBox initiative?
Unifeeder’s GreenBox is a carbon insetting solution to decarbonise the seaborne sections of their supply chains. GreenBox tracks shipments made aboard their marine services using alternative, low emission fuels, and generates tokens for each kg of carbon saved. GreenBox uses the transparent and externally verified 123 Carbon Platform. For more information, see the GreenBox and 123Carbon websites.
What is a Carbon Inset Certificate?
Carbon inset certificates represent CO₂e reductions achieved through investments in a company’s value chain. In this trial, certificates are generated by funding the use of low-carbon fuels in Unifeeder container vessels, by incorporating Svitzer’s low-carbon tug boats during towage operations, and through the decarbonisation of DP World Southampton container terminal handling operations. These insets are managed via Unifeeder’s GreenBox solution or via 123Carbon, verified by Bureau Veritas, Verifavia or other recognized third-party auditors, with verification details included on each certificate.
Which type of alternative fuels are used to produce the carbon inset certificates?
Carbon inset certificates are generated through the use of biofuels on container ships operated by Unifeeder and on tugboats operated by Svitzer. The biofuels employed are in compliance with the ISCC-EU certification and are classified as second-generation as per Annex 9a of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II).
Container Terminal Inset Certificates are generated from measured emissions performance improvements at DP World Southampton. These improvements include the replacement of diesel with certified Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for all fuel consumption under DP World Southampton’s operational control. The HVO is sourced from waste‑based feedstocks (including used cooking oil) and is supported by ISCC‑certified sustainability documentation.
What is a Container Terminal Inset Certificates?
Container Terminal Inset Certificates recognise the lower emissions performance of DP World’s container terminals. They are issued when our terminals operate more efficiently than the industry’s standard emissions baseline, from Smart Freight Centre's GLEC Framework v3.2. The certificates allow customers to demonstrate reduced supply chain emissions linked directly to their container import/export movements.
Container Terminal Inset Certificates are the latest addition to DP World's Carbon Inset Programme. Alongside the existing marine insets, they give customers more ways to recognise verified emissions reductions across their logistics operations with DP World.
Why is DP World offering these Scope 3 Carbon inset certificates?
DP World hopes to assist our customers in reducing emissions across their supply chain and increase awareness of Scope 3 emissions.
The 250kgCO₂e level per import laden container addresses >90% of emissions associated with the entire port call of container ships when manoeuvring into London Gateway or Southampton over their ‘last nautical mile’, including the emissions of the tug and pilot boats and container handling at the container terminal itself. These inset certificates can be used to address Scope 3 emissions across customers supply chains.
The 13kg CO2e per export laden container includes the emissions of container handling at the container terminal itself.
How can I use the carbon inset to improve my Scope 3 carbon reporting?
Carbon insets can be used in certain sustainability reporting to represent a legitimate reduction in emissions within a company’s value chain and are already recognised by regulation such as the EU’s CSRD.
Can I transfer or sell my certificate?
No, the carbon inset will be retired prior to delivery to you, so you will not be allowed to transfer or sell your certificate to avoid the risk of double counting carbon reductions. Your certificate will be issued in the Company’s registered name that appears on Companies House.
Can I buy more carbon inset certificates through the initiative?
In its trial period, this current initiative only offers carbon insets per import laden container for no additional cost without the option to purchase more. The option to purchase additional carbon insets is something we can offer upon request. If you would like to discuss purchasing inset certificates please contact [email protected].