• The programme aims to reward importers with carbon credits for every container of theirs that passes through the company's UK terminals.
• Reduce Scope 3 emissions by measuring and reporting them transparently with third-party verification.

DP World, a world leader in global supply chain solutions, has launched a new carbon credit trial programme in the UK to reduce Scope 3 emissions, or indirect emissions that occur in supply chains.

The programme will begin on January 1, 2025, and run for six months at DP World's UK terminals, London Gateway and Southampton.

John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World in the UK, said: “At DP World we are constantly exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions across our customers’ supply chains. 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. 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.”

What is the Carbon Inset Programme?

This programme is designed to help cargo importers or businesses that bring goods into the UK reduce their carbon emissions. They will receive carbon credits for every container that moves through DP World's UK terminals. Simply put, this means rewarding importers with 50kg CO₂e in carbon credits for every loaded import container.

The carbon credits are verified by external organisations to ensure their legitimacy and are issued every three months to businesses participating in the programme.

Difference from traditional carbon offsetting

Carbon credits are used to offset a company's emissions. Traditionally, this involves investing in tree planting, green energy, and carbon removal projects. If a company participates in such projects, it can offset or compensate for emissions in its supply chain or elsewhere.

Through DP World's new programme, businesses can reduce their Scope 3 or supply chain emissions and communicate to their customers that they are operating more sustainably. This is important because Scope 3 emissions are often difficult to measure and report since they are not within a company's direct control. They mainly come from transportation or shipping when suppliers or other parties are involved.

If half of DP World's import volume enrols in this programme, they could reduce over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This figure is equivalent to replacing 11,000 tonnes of traditional fossil fuels with lower-carbon marine fuels. The new programme is part of the company's Modal Shift Programme, which has already reduced over 17,000 tonnes of emissions in its first year.

Interested parties can participate in the trial and will receive free carbon credits if they register before December 31, 2024. For more information, please visit DP World's website.

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Source: DP World