Southampton aims to lead in the green economy for present and future generations. The Green City Charter focuses on reducing air pollution, enhancing green spaces, improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable transportation.

However, ships discharge significant air pollutants at UK ports, with the Port of Southampton identified as a top offender. According to a report from Transport & Environment (T&E), ships at Southampton produce four times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than the city’s cars and have the highest levels of harmful sulphur oxides and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Supporting Southampton’s vision of a cleaner, greener future, at DP World we are striving to innovate and implement practices that benefit our community and the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Our actions and their impact

Last year we introduced the UK’s first decarbonisation initiative for older trucks handling containers at DP World Southampton. Through the Modal Shift Programme, our on-site rail connections at London Gateway and Southampton incentivise customers to shift from road to rail, removing 300,000 trucks from UK roads annually and reducing congestion and carbon emissions. This shift saves around 4,500 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 13,500 lorry journeys.

We also modernised our straddle carrier fleet with hybrid electric machines, reducing our NOx emissions by 54% compared with non-electric models, a figure that will increase over time as London Gateway continues to transition its electricity supply to zero carbon sources.

Our sustainability efforts also extend to our quay cranes, which regenerate electricity back to the grid, and our tyre re-moulding programme, which extends tyre life and reduces waste. Additionally, in collaboration with Hampshire Wildlife Trust, DP World Southampton has funded the installation of two seabins to combat plastic pollution in local waterways.

Moving towards a greener tomorrow

As part of our Group Sustainability strategy, ‘Our World, Our Future’, we focus not only on the environment but taking care of those who will inherit it. Our flagship Global Education Programme inspires 8-14-year-olds across our regions by teaching them about global trade and logistics. Locally, we have built strong relationships with two Southampton schools. Each year, our staff volunteer to deliver national curriculum-approved content to over 200 children, offering them a unique glimpse into our industry.

Our aim is to be the most sustainable logistics business in the UK, providing customers with a unique array of assets to decarbonise their supply chains. Our team in the UK is at the forefront of realising our global ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with a near-term target of 42% reduction of our carbon footprint by 2030.

Protecting our people and planet – today and tomorrow.

At DP World we are committed to changing what's possible by creating a positive economic and social impact wherever we work. We are leading trade to a more sustainable future through our commitments that will make a positive impact now and for future generations to come.

Our Sustainability Strategy, "Our World, Our Future" ensures that we operate as a responsible business, prioritising sustainability and impact on people, the environment and the communities in which we operate to achieve a better, more socially equitable and sustainable future.

Learn more about our journey to net zero: https://www.dpworld.com/sustainability/climate-change