DP WORLD UK
LOW CARBON TRUCK
PROGRAMME
Giving HGV operators discounted HVO fuel and carbon training to cut emissions and ease the net-zero shift.
GREENER LOGISTICS
WHAT IS THE LOW CARBON TRUCK TRIAL?
From the 1st September 2025, DP World UK has launched a unique Low Carbon Truck Programme Trial, providing UK HGV fleet owners an opportunity to trial Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a cleaner, renewable diesel alternative.
TRANSITION
A STEP-CHANGE
ON THE ROAD TO ELECTRIFICATION
The Low Carbon Truck Programme addresses the logistics sector’s heavy reliance on diesel with a cleaner alternative.
The scheme, aimed at HGV operators using London Gateway and Southampton ports, combines discounted access to renewable fuel and carbon literacy training in a push to reduce transport emissions.
It focuses on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable diesel substitute that cuts emissions by up to 90% compared with fossil fuels. It offers fleet operators a financial incentive to trial HVO while learning more about supply chain carbon reporting.
This is an innovative first for the container sector and we estimate that more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide could be reduced each year if all our trucking partners register. Our hope is to encourage early adoption as a transitional step towards the eventual goal of electrification.
WHY HVO?
Sustainable
HVO is a type of renewable diesel fuel gaining significant traction as a more sustainable alternative to conventional fossil diesel. This programme could enable over 500 trucks to use lower carbon fuels, reducing truck emissions by over 30,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2026.
Transition
HVO is a near-term solution for organisations beginning their decarbonisation journey. This is not an alternative to electrification but a critical transitional step - enabling the adoption of more sustainable fuel options whilst we progress towards a fully electrified future.
Ready to go
HVO’s key advantage is its ease of adoption, as the fuel is fully compatible with existing diesel engines and is approved for use by a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), offering a seamless transition without the need for costly modifications or infrastructure changes.
HOW IT WORKS
In partnership with leading renewable fuel providers, the programme supports businesses in making tangible progress on their sustainability journeys.
By switching to HVO, truck C02e emissions can be reduced by up to 90%
HAULIER TRAINING
CARBON
LITERACY
The programme is not just about fuel. DP World also asks participating companies to attend an eight-hour Carbon Literacy training workshop.
The free course is customised for the road freight and logistics sector and focuses on CO₂ reporting, emissions categories, and decarbonisation planning. Its aim is to improve understanding of carbon within logistics operations, particularly around Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, like an HGV fleet. Scope 3 includes indirect emissions, such as those from outsourced transport providers. For cargo owners and freight forwarders, Scope 3 is often the largest source of carbon, and choosing low-carbon transport partners helps reduce their total footprint.
HOW TO START
Register
To participate in the programme , register your company via the registration form , and accept the Terms and Conditions which outline in more detail how the programme is managed and specific detail we will need from your organisation, including up to date vehicle registration information. You will be contacted by our team to discuss the process with you.
Connect
Once we have received the information and informed your chosen fuel supplier, you will be added to the programme and we will inform you after every qualifying period of the amount of HVO you have been allocated. Your chosen fuel supplier will contact you directly to discuss the additional contract in place between yourself and them.
Offer
As part of your registration, you will also be offered a complimentary laden container move on our DP World Inter-port Rail Service. The service runs between Southampton and London Gateway and vice versa.
This includes a guided introduction to our rail booking platform and a chance to see how our rail service can support your low-carbon transport goals.
This programme could enable over 500 trucks to use lower carbon fuels, reducing truck emissions by over 30,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2026.
..through the replacement of traditional fossil fuels with
sustainable lower-carbon alternatives.
MORE SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS WITH DP WORLD
REGISTER NOW
AND GREEN-LIGHT YOUR LOGISTICS
The process is straightforward. After you complete the registration form and submit required vehicle data, the fuel supplier handles the next steps. You HVO allowance is confirmed after each qualifying period, and your business receives support from both DP World and the fuel provider.
RELATED INFO
We recognise that for many organisations, this marks the beginning of a new journey - one that may require changes to existing internal processes and engagement strategies.
To support your internal discussions with colleagues, as well as external conversations with clients and stakeholders, we have developed a suite of additional resources and guidance materials. These tools are designed to help build understanding, facilitate planning, and empower informed decision-making throughout your organisation.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
What is the DP World Low Carbon Truck Programme and who can participate?
The Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) is a pioneering initiative that supports HGV fleet operators in the UK in reducing transport emissions. Participants gain discounted access to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable, low-carbon diesel compatible with existing trucks, and attend carbon literacy training. The programme is open to any company with HGVs moving through DP World London Gateway or Southampton ports at least 90 times over three months, helping operators make tangible progress towards reducing their Scope 1 and Scope 3 carbon emissions.
How does the Low Carbon Truck Programme help reduce emissions?
By switching to HVO fuel, participating trucks can cut CO₂e emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel. In addition, the programme provides carbon literacy training, helping fleet operators and logistics teams understand emissions reporting and plan further decarbonisation. Together, these measures support customers in reducing supply chain carbon intensity while contributing to DP World’s broader sustainability targets, including net-zero by 2050.
How do businesses register and access HVO fuel through the low carbon truck programme?
Registration is completed online via the DP World Low Carbon Truck Programme form. Companies submit vehicle registration data and designate a point of contact. Once approved, DP World notifies your chosen HVO fuel supplier, who manages delivery and allocation. Each qualifying vehicle can claim up to 5,000 litres per port, with a programme cap of 50,000 litres or 10 trucks per port. Participants are also invited to the carbon literacy workshop and can access DP World’s inter-port rail service to further reduce emissions.
How much HVO fuel can I receive through the programme?
The quantity of HVO you are eligible to receive depends on your chosen delivery method:
- If you have selected a fuel card, you will be entitled to receive 3,000 litres of HVO at the price of conventional diesel.
- If you have opted for bunker delivery, you will be eligible for 5,000 litres under the same pricing terms.
These volumes apply per qualifying vehicle and are subject to the programme’s overall cap of 10 trucks per company per port, as outlined in the programme terms.
Is there a cap on the amount of HVO a company can receive?
Yes. During each qualifying period, up to 10 vehicles per Group of Companies per Port can qualify to receive up to 5,000 litres of HVO each, totalling a maximum of 50,000 litres per port.
ImageIf the fuel allocation is capped, which company within a Group receives the HVO?
If multiple companies within a Group qualify during the same period, DP World will proactively contact you to confirm which specific entity within the Group should receive the allocated HVO volume. This ensures fuel is distributed in alignment with your organisational preferences. All companies in the same Group must choose the same fuel delivery method; Bunker delivery service or Fuel Card to use at pump.
When will I receive the HVO fuel?
Fuel allocations will be made during the payout period, which takes place two months after the end of each qualifying period (See 'What are the registration, qualification and payout periods?' for more information). The fuel will be made available via your selected fuel supplier.
How do I participate in the trial?
To participate, you must:
- Complete the official registration form
- Sign the programme Terms and Conditions
- Provide a current vehicle registration list
- Confirm with your selected fuel supplier the agreed method of accessing the fuel
Please note: You must register during the customer enrolment period to be eligible for the next qualifying period (See 'What are the registration, qualification and payout periods?' for more information).
How will I be informed of my qualification status and HVO allocation?
After each qualifying period, you will receive an email from the DP World team ([email protected]) confirming:
- The total HVO volume allocated to your fleet
- The vehicle registrations that qualified by reaching 90 visits
We will also notify you of any vehicles that fell slightly short of the 90-visit threshold, to help you track and manage future qualification opportunities.
What are the registration, qualification and payout periods?
Please refer to Table 1 below, which outlines the full schedule of customer enrolment windows, qualifying periods, and fuel payout timelines.
| Customer enrolment period | Qualification period | Change fuel supplier/ delivery method window | Calculations | Payout period |
| Sep 25 – Oct 25 | Sep 25 – Nov 25 | 20 – 24 Oct 25 | Dec 25 | Jan 26 – Mar 26 |
| Nov 25 – Jan 26 | Dec 25 – Feb 26 | 19 – 23 Jan 26 | Mar 26 | Apr 26 – Jun 26 |
| Feb 26 – Apr 26 | Mar 26 – May 26 | 20 – 24 Apr 26 | Jun 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 26 |
| May 26 – Jul 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 26 | 20 – 24 Jul 26 | Sep 26 | Oct 26 – Dec 26 |
| Aug 26 – Oct 26 | Sep 26 – Nov 26 | 19 – 23 Oct 26 | Dec 26 | Jan 27 – Mar 27 |
| Nov 26 – Jan 27 | Dec 26 – Feb 27 | 18 – 22 Jan 27 | Mar 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 27 |
| Feb 27 – Apr 27 | Mar 27 – May 27 | 19 – 23 Apr 27 | Jun 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 27 |
| May 27 – Jul 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 27 | 19 – 23 Jul 27 | Sep 27 | Oct 27 – Dec 27 |
How is the Low Carbon Truck Programme funded?
The Low Carbon Truck Programme is funded by the Energy Transition Contribution which is levied on all Import Laden Containers transiting DP World UK port facilities.
What do I receive as part of my registration with the DP World Low Carbon Truck Programme?
If you reach the qualifying threshold, as well as receiving HVO for the price of diesel and a free 1-day Carbon Literacy workshop, you will also be offered a complimentary laden container move on one of our five weekly DP World Inter-port Rail Services, either from Southampton to London Gateway or vice versa. You’ll be introduced to our dedicated rail team and given a walkthrough of our rail booking platform. This introduction is designed to provide the benefits and efficiencies our inter-port rail service can offer to customers, together with helping you get familiar with the system, making it easier to continue using our inter-port rail service.
Please note: You will be eligible to receive the Modal Shift Programme (MSP) incentive only if you rail a laden import container from Southampton to London Gateway, in line with the MSP Terms & Conditions.
LCTP Trial Process
What should I do if I no longer wish to participate in the programme?
If you decide to withdraw from the programme, please contact the DP World team by emailing [email protected]. A member of the team will assist you in discussing your next steps and guide you through the process.
Will drivers receive fuel receipts that show HVO usage?
All fuel card transactions and bunker deliveries will clearly indicate HVO purchases for your records. These receipts will be issued directly by your selected fuel supplier.
About HVO
What is HVO?
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. It is a renewable diesel fuel produced through the hydrotreatment of fats, oils, and greases, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oils. HVO is a clean-burning, low-carbon alternative to conventional diesel and can be used as a drop-in replacement in existing diesel engines without modifications.
Who are the fuel suppliers supporting the DP World Low Carbon Truck Programme Trial?
The programme is proudly supported by two leading UK-based renewable fuel providers: Certas Energy, New Era Energy, and Shell UK. These suppliers are recognised for their commitment to sustainability and high standards in renewable fuel sourcing.
Is the HVO supplied through this programme ISCC certified?
Purchasing HVO in the Programme
How do I access the HVO?
At the stage of registering you are asked which of our LCTP fuel partners you would like to use and if you will be utilising a fuel card or bunker service. Once registered the chosen supplier will be informed and get in touch directly with you to make the necessary arrangements and share a contract between your company and them.
What if I wish to change my fuel supplier or fuel delivery method?
Your selected fuel supplier and fuel delivery method (e.g. fuel card or bunker service) are fixed for the upcoming payout period once enrolled. If you wish to request a change, you must submit your request via email to [email protected] during one of the designated change request windows (see table below for specific dates). Provided your request is received within the appropriate window and approved by the relevant fuel supplier(s), your updated preferences will take effect in the next eligible payout period.
Please note: Requests submitted outside the designated windows will not be processed, and changes can only be made during the specified periods.
| Change Fuel Supplier/Delivery Method Window | Payout Period |
| 20-24 October 2025 | January - March 2026 |
| 19-23 January 2026 | April - June 2026 |
| 20-24 April 2026 | July - September 2026 |
| 20-24 July 2026 | October - December 2026 |
| 19-23 October 2026 | January - March 2027 |
| 18-22 January 2027 | April - June 2027 |
| 19-23 April 2027 | July - September 2027 |
| 19-23 July 2027 | October - December 2027 |
How are the diesel rates agreed and communicated?
Are there penalties for not using the allocated HVO quota?
Carbon Literacy Workshop
How do I register for the Carbon Literacy Training?
Once your organisation has been recognised as qualifying for HVO, you will receive an official invitation to register for the training via our Eventbrite booking page. Training courses will commence from October 2025 and will be delivered in person at both DP World London Gateway and DP World Southampton.
If your organisation qualifies for HVO during a given training qualification period, you will be eligible to attend training from the corresponding month listed in the schedule provided (see table below).
| Training Qualification Period | Training From |
| June - August 2025 | October 2025 |
| September - November 2025 | January 2026 |
| December 2025 - February 2026 | April 2026 |
| March - May 2026 | July 2026 |
| June - August 2026 | October 2026 |
| September - November 2026 | January 2027 |
| December 2026 - February 2027 | April 2027 |
| March - May 2027 | July 2027 |
| June - August 2027 | October 2027 |
Once you have qualified, you will have six months to complete your Carbon Literacy Training
How many colleagues from my company can attend the free workshop?
Under the programme’s terms and conditions, your organisation commits to having at least one team member complete the training. In addition, up to two more colleagues may attend the workshop at no additional cost, bringing the total number of free participants to three per company.