How do you mitigate the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your container shipping operations?

1 Choose the right container size and type

One of the simplest ways to reduce your container shipping impact is to choose the right container size and type for your cargo. By optimizing the space and weight of your containers, you can avoid wasting fuel and emitting unnecessary GHGs. For example, you can use high-cube containers, which are taller than standard containers, to fit more volume without increasing the footprint. You can also use reefer containers, which are refrigerated, to transport perishable goods without compromising their quality and safety. Additionally, you can use eco-friendly containers, which are made of recycled or biodegradable materials, to minimize waste and pollution.

2 Optimize your routing and scheduling

Another way to mitigate your container shipping impact is to optimize your routing and scheduling. By planning your routes and schedules carefully, you can avoid delays, congestion, and detours that can increase your fuel consumption and emissions. For example, you can use digital tools and platforms, such as route optimization software, GPS tracking, and blockchain, to monitor and manage your container movements and transactions. You can also use intermodal transportation, which combines different modes of transport, such as rail, road, and sea, to reduce the distance and time of your container journeys.

3 Implement green shipping practices

A third way to mitigate your container shipping impact is to implement green shipping practices. By adopting eco-friendly measures and standards, you can improve your operational efficiency and environmental performance. For example, you can use low-sulfur fuels, which are cleaner and less harmful than conventional fuels, to power your vessels and vehicles. You can also use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biofuels, to supplement or replace your fossil fuels. Additionally, you can use energy-saving technologies and devices, such as LED lighting, speed control, and hull coating, to reduce your energy demand and emissions.

4 Participate in green shipping initiatives

A fourth way to mitigate your container shipping impact is to participate in green shipping initiatives. By joining forces with other stakeholders and organizations, you can contribute to the collective efforts and goals of reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of shipping. For example, you can sign up for voluntary programs and schemes, such as the Clean Cargo Working Group, the Green Freight Asia, and the Smart Freight Centre, which provide guidance, tools, and recognition for green shipping practices. You can also comply with mandatory regulations and policies, such as the IMO 2020, the EU MRV, and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which set limits and targets for GHG emissions from shipping.

5 Monitor and report your container shipping impact

A fifth way to mitigate your container shipping impact is to monitor and report your container shipping impact. By measuring and disclosing your environmental data and performance, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, track your progress and improvement, and communicate your commitment and credibility to your customers and partners. For example, you can use metrics and indicators, such as the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI), the Carbon Footprint Indicator (CFI), and the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), to quantify and compare your fuel efficiency and GHG emissions. You can also use frameworks and standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), to report and verify your environmental information and performance.

6 Engage with your container shipping stakeholders

A sixth way to mitigate your container shipping impact is to engage with your container shipping stakeholders. By involving and collaborating with your customers, suppliers, carriers, regulators, and communities, you can foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility, share best practices and innovations, and address common challenges and opportunities. For example, you can solicit feedback and suggestions from your customers and suppliers, to understand their expectations and preferences for green shipping. You can also partner with your carriers and regulators, to align your goals and standards for environmental compliance and improvement. Additionally, you can support and participate in your communities' initiatives and projects, to create positive social and environmental impacts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?