How is DP World Tackling Emissions With Supplier Engagement?

Supply chain management and procurement standards are becoming central to business operations as environmental costs and regulatory compliance requirements grow.

DP World's Sustainability Report 2025 examines how these considerations affect logistics networks and trade infrastructure.

The report details emission reduction targets, supplier engagement programmes and operational changes designed to lower carbon output across global supply chains.

These could show how trade and logistics companies are responding to climate-related financial risks and regulatory pressure.

Procurement standards and emissions

DP World uses 2022 as its baseline year and has achieved a 14% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions combined compared to that baseline, according to the report. The company's Double Materiality Assessment identified supplier engagement, responsible sourcing and supply chain governance as major sustainability priorities that require immediate attention and strategic investment.

Disruptions, carbon taxes and environmental compliance costs can affect operations, according to DP World. The company is working with suppliers, contractors and business partners through due diligence processes, vendor codes of conduct and ESG requirements to improve standards across the value chain. These measures help ensure consistent application of environmental and social standards throughout the company's global network of operations.

In 2025, DP World strengthened this approach by screening 500 suppliers, representing approximately 18% of global spend. The company is continuing to strengthen procurement integration to improve Scope 3 emissions reporting and customer-facing decarbonisation solutions. This systematic approach to supplier assessment allows the organisation to identify high-impact areas for improvement.

DP World's total Scope 3 emissions reached 3,259,433 tonnes CO₂e in 2025, with major contributions from upstream and downstream transport, fuel and energy-related activities, capital goods and purchased goods and services, according to the report.

"A sustainable future requires ambition, collaboration and perseverance," says Yuvraj Narayan, DP World Group Chief Executive Officer, in the report.

Transport corridors and modal shift

DP World is collaborating with customers and industry partners to create lower-emission logistics corridors and resilient trade networks. A key example is the UK modal shift initiative, which moved 100,000 containers from road to rail, avoiding more than 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions. This demonstrates the significant environmental benefits that can be achieved through strategic infrastructure planning and collaboration.

"With the support of our employees, customers, partners and stakeholders, I am confident that we will continue to shape a more resilient, more inclusive and more sustainable future for global trade," says Yuvraj. The company is investing in EVs and low-carbon technologies across ports, terminals and logistics operations to accelerate the transition.

In 2025, DP World expanded electric truck operations in Germany, introduced electric internal transfer vehicles at terminals in the Philippines, Thailand and Australia and deployed electric forklifts in Chile. These initiatives are designed to reduce diesel consumption, lower emissions, improve air quality and increase operational efficiency while supporting decarbonisation goals across multiple regions.

"Across Europe, the conversation on decarbonisation is shifting. What was once defined by pilot projects is now being measured by execution. The moment of transition is no longer in the future, it is now," says Rashid Abdulla, CEO and MD for Europe at DP World, on LinkedIn.

Energy sourcing and infrastructure

In 2025, DP World sourced 67.6% of its electricity from renewable sources, moving toward its targets of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. The company consumed a total of 49,310,616,630 MJ of energy globally in 2025, of which 5,382,966,789 MJ came from renewable sources, including solar, wind and green electricity procurement. This represents a substantial commitment to clean energy across the organisation's diverse portfolio of assets.

DP World is expanding renewable energy projects across its global operations, including rooftop solar installations in Türkiye and South Africa, renewable power purchase agreements across several regions and renewable electricity programmes in Australia.

"From electrified terminals, shore power and low-emission corridors, the direction is clear that energy transition in logistics must operate at scale to deliver real impact," adds Rashid.

"Today, with the rising price of fossil fuels, the total cost of ownership of heavy road transport now favours electric solutions, meaning the energy transition is also an economic transition for both our business and our customers."

The company recorded Scope 1 emissions of 3,066,430 tonnes CO₂e, with marine services contributing 67% of total Scope 1 emissions. This concentration highlights the importance of maritime decarbonisation efforts.

To counteract marine service emissions, DP World has issued US$67.74m to date in blue bond allocations. Climate change is identified by DP World as one of the most material issues affecting operations because of operational and financial risks linked to extreme weather, rising energy costs and regulatory changes. These factors require ongoing assessment and adaptive management strategies.

Operational systems and targets

DP World has committed to achieving net zero across all scopes by 2050 and sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2040. The company is using AI, digitalisation and advanced analytics to improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and optimise logistics networks. These technologies enable more precise resource management and emissions tracking.

Projects such as automated stacking cranes, AI-powered operational systems and paperless customs workflows are helping reduce emissions while improving productivity across terminals and transport corridors. DP World reports a 54% reduction in Scope 2 market-based emissions compared to the 2022 baseline. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

"This year's report shares our refreshed strategy that looks to clarify and measure impact," says Ayla Bajwa, Senior Vice President Sustainability at DP World, on LinkedIn.

"The intention is to take a practical business approach prioritising our customers and partners. What is distinct about the refresh is the newly introduced enablers that prioritise governance and risk and innovation and opportunity."

DP World is also investing in low-carbon fuels, renewable diesel, hydrogen fuel cell technologies and carbon compensation projects to address emissions that cannot yet be eliminated through operational changes alone.

Industry partnerships and finance

Through partnerships with organisations such as the Zero Emission Port Alliance and the World Economic Forum's First Movers Coalition, DP World continues to support industry-wide climate action and sustainable trade.

"Research estimates suggest up to US$275tn will be deployed globally in the transition by 2050 and logistics infrastructure will be central to that shift," says Rashid.

"Across our business, we are embedding decarbonisation into everyday operations, through electrification, modal shift to rail and barge, smarter asset utilisation and integrated infrastructure that connects physical assets with a digital layer. Not as isolated initiatives, but as a fully integrated programme that defines how trade moves."

These initiatives reinforce DP World's ambition to create resilient, low-carbon supply chains while progressing towards its net zero target for 2050. The company continues to invest in energy-efficient technologies, electrification and low-carbon fuels to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. This comprehensive approach addresses both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic objectives.