DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme has registered over 100,000 TEUs of import-laden containers within the first two months of its six-month trial period. The programme was launched in January 2025 to assist cargo owners in reducing their indirect (Scope 3) emissions through third-party verified carbon credits.
Under this initiative, importers receive 50kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) carbon credits for every loaded import container that passes through DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton terminals. According to DP World, if 50% of import cargo owners participate by the end of the designated period, the programme is projected to remove over 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from supply chains.
The carbon credits are generated by Unifeeder, a DP World subsidiary, which is using incrementally lower-carbon fuels, including biofuels, throughout its northern European shipping network. These credits are independently verified by a third-party auditor and are pooled quarterly allow for easy transferability between parties.
John Trenchard, Vice President, Commercial and Supply Chain at DP World, commented: ‘At DP World, we are committed to offering pragmatic solutions that help our customers meet their sustainability goals. Our Carbon Inset Programme builds upon the achievements of our Modal Shift Programme, which reduced customer carbon emissions by over17,000 tonnes in its first year.’
DP World believes that a strong early adoption rate indicates the industry’s interest in the programme and positions it favourably for long-term viability. It aims to reduce its absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The success of the Carbon Inset Programme evidences the growing demand for market-based mechanisms for emissions reductions within maritime supply chains. As carbon pricing schemes tighten globally, it is increasingly important for logistics companies to demonstrate verifiable reductions in GHG emissions.
By directly linking carbon credits to operational efficiencies and the use of low-carbon fuels, DP World’s carbon inset programme is exploring new pathways for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, such as maritime, that are crucial to the functioning of global supply chains.
