PSC LIVE: Sustainability – John Trenchard, DP World Keynote
John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial and Supply Chain UK at DP World delivered a keynote at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Sustainability 2025 to discuss the vital role of sustainable logistics.
His keynote explored how sustainability is not just a corporate responsibility but also a driver of profitability and resilience in supply chains.
Sustainability in supply chains: The challenge and opportunity
John opened his presentation by acknowledging DP World’s significant role in the UK’s supply chain. Operating two deepwater ports – London Gateway and Southampton – the company is responsible for nearly half of the country’s container imports and exports.
He emphasised that while logistics contributes to global emissions, it also holds opportunities for decarbonisation.
“We are probably part of the problem,” he admitted, “but hopefully, we can be part of the solution as well.”
With global CO₂ emissions reaching approximately 59 billion tonnes in 2023, John highlighted that supply chain logistics accounts for around 10–12% of total emissions, with maritime shipping contributing 2–3%.
He stressed the need for companies to take responsibility for their supply chain emissions, particularly Scope 3 emissions – those that occur indirectly through operations outside of a company’s direct control.
DP World’s sustainability strategy, Our World, Our Future, focuses on reducing emissions across its operations while also influencing supply chain partners to make greener choices.
Practical steps towards decarbonisation
John outlined specific measures DP World has implemented to reduce emissions, both within its operations and in collaboration with partners.
One key initiative is its modal shift programme, which incentivises customers to move freight via rail instead of road transport.
“A delivery to Birmingham from Southampton by truck generates about 550 kilos of CO₂,” he explained. “If you move it by train and truck, that’s reduced to about 300 kilos – a quarter of a tonne less.”
Since launching in September 2023, this programme has led to 100,000 additional containers being transported by rail, cutting 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ and eliminating over 8 million truck miles from UK roads.
The initiative has helped increase rail freight’s share of DP World’s cargo movements to over 33%.
Another innovative programme is DP World’s carbon inset initiative. Ships emit around 50 kilos of CO₂ per container while berthed, using auxiliary engines for power.
By using additional low-carbon fuel and tokenising the emissions reduction, DP World allows cargo owners to offset part of their Scope 3 emissions.
“If half of our UK customers sign up for this,” John noted, “we could remove 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ immediately this year.”
Future innovations and industry collaboration
John also discussed DP World’s plans to develop energy hubs at its ports, where the 4,500 trucks that enter daily could access lower-carbon fuel and EV charging infrastructure.
To encourage uptake, the company already provides a £20 incentive per container for electric vehicle transport.
A particularly ambitious initiative is Move to -15, which challenges the industry to adjust frozen container settings from -18°C to -15°C.
This seemingly small change, based on research demonstrating no cargo degradation above -12°C, could save up to 17 million tonnes of CO₂ globally.
John acknowledged that achieving net zero emissions by 2040 or 2050 requires collaboration across industries. He invited supply chain professionals to engage in open discussions and explore innovative approaches.
“We don’t know all the answers,” he admitted. “But we’re prepared to explore them with you.”
John’s presentation concluded with a call to action: “Can we change what’s possible?” The response from the audience suggested that many are ready to take on the challenge.
DP World continues its commitment to sustainability through ongoing trials and industry partnerships. Those interested in learning more or participating in discussions were encouraged to join a workshop scheduled during the event.
Essential diary dates for 2025
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- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Dubai | 29 April
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