DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme Hits 100,000 Containers

DP World is transforming global trade with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Operating across six continents with a workforce of more than 100,000, the company delivers end-to-end supply chain solutions, covering ports, terminals, marine services, logistics and technology.

In the UK, DP World has invested more than £5bn (US$6.2bn), building an integrated network that includes two deep-sea terminals at London Gateway and Southampton, a growing logistics business, a customs clearance technology provider and a major ferry operator.

The company’s latest initiative, the Carbon Inset Programme, is gaining momentum. In just two months, more than 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of import-laden containers have been registered by cargo owners.

The programme, which launched in December 2024 and began its six-month trial in January, rewards importers with 50kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) of carbon credits for every loaded container moved through London Gateway and Southampton.

If half of all import cargo owners sign up during the trial, the programme is expected to cut more than 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from supply chains.

A greener approach to supply chain logistics

“At DP World we are committed to innovation and offering our customers transparent and pragmatic solutions that help them achieve their sustainability goals," comments John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World in the UK.

"Through our revolutionary Carbon Inset Programme, we are working with partners in the DP World group to build on what we have already achieved with our Modal Shift Programme, which reduced the carbon emissions of our customers by more than 17,000 tonnes in its first year.

"We have already seen a surge in sign-ups to the Carbon Inset Programme, putting this programme on the course to success.”

DP World’s strategy is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. The company aims to cut absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Programmes like the Carbon Inset initiative play a crucial role in achieving these targets while helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

Carbon credits and lower-emission fuels

At the heart of the programme is DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, which generates carbon credits by using lower-emission fuels across its Northern European shipping network.

These credits are independently verified and pooled quarterly, allowing participating businesses to demonstrate their environmental efforts to customers and meet sustainability targets.

By offering a structured and verifiable way to reduce Scope 3 emissions, those generated indirectly through supply chain activities, DP World is giving importers a practical tool to meet stricter emissions regulations and corporate sustainability commitments.

As global pressure increases for cleaner supply chains, this initiative offers a tangible way for businesses to contribute to a greener logistics sector.

An expanding global supply chain network

Beyond its carbon reduction efforts, DP World continues to expand its supply chain capabilities.

With operations in 78 countries and handling 10% of global trade, the company provides logistics, forwarding and European transport services that integrate with its global network.

This seamless connectivity allows businesses to move goods more efficiently while taking advantage of DP World’s sustainability initiatives.

As supply chains become increasingly complex, solutions like the Carbon Inset Programme demonstrate how logistics providers can help businesses navigate environmental challenges while maintaining efficiency and reliability.

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