A.P. Moeller-Maersk, the largest container shipping line in the world, has launched a new customer-focused initiative as part of its drive towards carbon neutral transportation.
According to a statement, the carrier is piloting a new carbon neutral product with select customers looking for sustainable supply chain solutions, with retail giant H&M Group being the first to take part.
The project will see ships use biofuel used to transfer cargo, and it will be the same blend which has been tested and successfully validated in a trial with the Dutch Sustainability Growth Coalition (DSGC) and Shell.
The biofuel, made from waste sources, in particular, cooking oil, has been certified as a sustainable fuel by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) body.
11 of the world's biggest shipping banks now require shipping companies to meet certain climate targets in order to obtain financing. Maersk supports this decision and several Asian banks are expected to join. https://t.co/XdFKzV4AP1 pic.twitter.com/92vS24yUeT
— Maersk (@Maersk) June 18, 2019
Maersk says it give H&M Group the ability to reduce their transport and logistics emissions and drive both parties towards their goal of achieving eco-friendly shipping.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RBS) will provide a procedure to ensure carbon savings are accredited to Maersk’s customers appropriately.
A recent Port Technology technical paper looked at the industry's journey towards eco-friendly shipping
Maersk goes on to say that when the full lifecycle view, which includes all emissions from upstream production and transportation, the fuel entails savings of 85% compared to bunker fuel.
Speaking about the project, Maersk’s CEO Soren Toft said: “The biofuel trial on board Mette Maersk has proven that decarbonized solutions for shipping can already be utilized today, both technically and operationally.
“While it is not yet an absolutely final solution it is certainly part of the solution and it can serve as a transition solution to reduce CO2 emissions today.
“With the launch of this product, Maersk seeks to help our customers with their goal of moving to sustainable supply chains.”
Helena Helmersson, COO, H&M Group, said: “Our high ambition to become climate positive by 2040 requires cooperation and engagement from all parties in the supply chain.
“We want to use our size to be a force for good and enable scaling innovative solutions, such as the carbon-neutral ocean product, for greener commercial transport.”
Read more:
