Inside DHL Express and Shell's Pioneering SAF Partnership
Leaders in aviation and energy are constantly seeking collaborative opportunities with potential to reshape air freight from a sustainability perspective.
The latest partnership has been formed by DHL Express and Shell for the delivery of 25,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Brussels Airport.
It represents a transformative approach to reducing carbon emissions in the logistics and transportation sector.
Emphasising the importance of cross-sector cooperation, a Shell spokesperson said: "We are proud to deliver this new supply of SAF, helping DHL Express and its customers to achieve their net-zero goals. The deal highlights how important collaboration across sectors is in decarbonising air transport."
Collaborative decarbonisation
DHL Express and Shell's one-year deal has emerged as a critical response to the aviation industry's mounting environmental challenges and demonstrates how strategic cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful sustainability initiatives.
The environmental impact is anticipated to be substantial, with a projected reduction of 80,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to traditional fossil jet fuel.
Raman Ojha, President at Shell Aviation, articulates the broader significance of this approach: "Our collaboration at Brussels Airport reflects a joint commitment to reduce emissions from air freight and across the entire aviation value chain. Working together not only complements their efforts but also helps advance our shared ambitions for a net-zero future.
"By supplying SAF, we are equipping the industry – and our customers – with low-carbon solutions that will support the transition toward sustainable aviation."
The partnership extends beyond a simple fuel supply agreement. It represents a sophisticated, integrated approach to addressing climate challenges within complex global supply chains.
By leveraging pipeline infrastructure at Brussels Airport and utilising innovative fuel production techniques, DHL and Shell are effectively creating a blueprint for sustainable transformation in the logistics sector.
Driving sustainable supply chain solutions
The SAF used at Brussels Airport will be certified under ISCC's (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) voluntary 'ISCC Plus' certification system and produced through an innovative co-processing method that represents a significant leap forward in sustainable fuel production.
By strategically replacing fossil crude oil with renewable feedstocks within existing fossil refineries, the partnership demonstrates a pragmatic and scalable approach to reducing environmental impact.
Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President of Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, emphasises the critical role of SAF in transforming logistics.
"Beside efficiency improvements, SAF is currently the most important way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in air transport," Travis explains.
"Our customers benefit from our continuously increasing SAF coverage across different regions, now including our investment at Brussels Airport."
GoGreen Plus
Sitting at the heart of DHL's sustainability strategy is the GoGreen Plus programme, which offers customers a sophisticated method to address their indirect emissions.
Unlike traditional carbon offsetting, this approach focuses on insetting emissions directly within the logistics sector, providing a more transparent and impactful sustainability solution.
The programme enables customers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions – those generated within a company's broader value chain – through a targeted, verifiable approach.
DHL has set itself the goal of reducing all logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050. GoGreen Plus is designed to contribute to the interim target of using 30% SAF for all air transportation by 2030.
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