DP World: Tackling Port Emissions with Carbon Credits

DP World’s new Carbon Inset Programme encourages importers to cut emissions at UK terminals, offering carbon credits for sustainable shipping practices.

DP World is taking decisive steps to reduce the environmental impact of its operations with the launch of its Carbon Inset Programme Trial (CIPT).

This innovative initiative allows importers to earn carbon credits by cutting emissions at DP World’s UK terminals in London Gateway and Southampton. Building on the success of the Modal Shift Programme, the CIPT incentivises sustainable practices while aligning with global decarbonisation goals.

How the Carbon Inset Programme works

The CIPT rewards participating importers with 50kg of CO₂e carbon credits for every loaded import container they process through DP World’s UK terminals.

These credits, issued quarterly, are independently certified and serve as proof of a company’s efforts to tackle Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions generated across their supply chains.

The carbon insets are funded through the Energy Transition Contribution, a pre-existing charge applied to all import-laden containers at DP World ports. The 50kg CO₂e savings benchmark accounts for emissions from vessels during container handling at terminals and the costs of adopting lower-carbon fuels within the Unifeeder network.

Unifeeder’s GreenBox platform plays a key role in generating the carbon credits.

It tracks the use of lower-carbon fuels in the Northern European container vessel network and issues tokens for each tonne of carbon saved. These credits are then validated using the Smart Freight Centre methodology and certified by Bureau Veritas, ensuring transparency and credibility.

John Trenchard, DP World’s Vice President of Commercial & Supply Chain in the UK, explains the approach: “Insetting carbon emissions is a transparent, direct and pragmatic approach with immediate measurable impact for our customers.

"By providing easy access to an independently-certified inset programme, we aim to create better awareness and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices.”

He adds: “By participating in the trial, a world first, import cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts while aligning with their own sustainability goals.”

Why cutting shipping emissions matters

Shipping and ports are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

In 2018, ships visiting EU and EEA ports emitted 140 million tonnes of CO₂. Without intervention, emissions from the shipping sector could account for up to 17% of global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, posing a significant challenge to achieving the Paris Agreement targets.

Beyond the climate impact, port emissions also affect public health.

Ship engines release pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, contributing to respiratory illnesses, heart disease and cancer risks in nearby communities. Reducing these emissions is vital to safeguarding both environmental and human health.

DP World estimates that if 50% of import volumes participate in the CIPT, more than 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuel could be replaced with lower-carbon marine fuels in global shipping.

This shift would lead to a reduction of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, highlighting the programme’s potential to drive meaningful change.

DP World’s broader sustainability agenda

The CIPT complements DP World’s broader sustainability initiatives under its “Our World, Our Future” strategy, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The company has committed to reaching net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050 and is already making progress, reporting a 4% drop in energy consumption and a 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to its 2019 baseline.

Other key sustainability efforts include:

• Smart technologies: Integrating innovations that reduce energy use and resource consumption.
• Water conservation: Supporting clean water initiatives and ocean health through partnerships with organisations like WaterAid.
• Community support: Increasing contributions to local communities, particularly empowering women and girls through various projects.
• Sustainable events: Implementing eco-friendly practices at events like the DP World Tour Championship, which eliminates plastic bottles, uses electric machinery and targets zero waste.

Collaboration is central to DP World’s approach. Through partnerships with groups like UNICEF, The Earthshot Prize and Barefoot College International, the company drives forward impactful global initiatives.

The CIPT exemplifies DP World’s commitment to building a greener logistics sector. By enabling importers to actively reduce their carbon footprint, the programme addresses the urgent need to decarbonise ports and shipping while supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals.

Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. 

Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.