DP World Marine Services has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 16% in 2023 from its 2019 baseline of 2,118 ktCO2e by creating efficiencies across its operations. This achievement comes at a critical juncture as the world focuses on COP28, being held this month in Dubai 

Much of the reduction came from optimising its vessels' routes and scheduling to ensure full utilisation and reduced idling time. Creating more efficient deployment networks – with vessels traveling along more direct, shorter routes– also leads to a reduction of wasted nautical miles travelled and lowered fuel consumption. 

DP World Marine Services calculates its carbon footprint using an in-house tool, with operating entities reporting monthly on its fossil fuel and electricity consumption based on invoices. Maritime classification society, Lloyd's Register is engaged annually to audit and assure the accuracy of the carbon footprint. 

Guided by DP World’s ‘Our World, Our Future’ strategy and its ambitious decarbonisation targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050, the company’s Marine Services business comprised of subsidiary companies including Unifeeder, P&O Ferries and P&O Ferrymasters utilises a multimodal network of land and sea transport, focuses on optimising operations through advanced technologies and fostering industry partnerships to drive transformative change to reduce emissions. 

Marine Services has outlined a comprehensive strategy to further reduce its carbon footprint, with a targeted 25% reduction by 2030. This includes: 

·         A 12% efficiency enhancement of its existing vessel fleet, through practices such as hull coating and hull cleaning,

·         A 5% contribution from the introduction of biofuels, replacing fossil fuels,

·         The introduction of roughly 20 new vessels to replace older, less efficient vessels, contributing 8% to the reduction goal.

Other key projects include Unifeeder’s long-term time-charter agreement for four methanol-capable container feeder vessels, and P&O Ferries’ hybrid-electric vessels, which are expected to increase efficiencies by 40%. 

As global leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, public and private stakeholders are looking at the world’s largest companies to make measurable, tangible changes to their business practices that result in CO2 reductions. DP World’s wider decarbonisation target of becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2040 and net-zero by 2050. 

Jesper Kristensen, Group Chief Operating Officer of DP World Marine Services, stressed the significance of the emissions reduction this year, stating, "As a global leader in end-to-end logistics, it is our responsibility to find and implement sustainable ways of reducing our footprint, while we continue to keep communities around the world connected to global trade.” 

“While we are also doing our part to explore alternative fuels, we must not forget to also focus on optimising our operational processes, harnessing advanced technologies, and implementing best practices across our fleet. By prioritising efficiency enhancements, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create new industry standards,” he added. 

Through its active collaborations with organisations such as the Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, IRENA and APMT, DP World Marine Services remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.