We Need To Move Faster On Decarbonising Supply Chains

Moving cargo around the world is a carbon-intensive business. The long and complex supply chains that underpin global markets mean that international trade-related transport accounts for more than 7% of global emissions, according to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development.

At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic and events like COP26 have put the environmental credentials of businesses and their supply chains firmly under the spotlight. This represents an opportunity for the logistics industry to examine each stage of the chain and tap into the growing momentum towards net zero.

While decarbonisation presents a major challenge, it’s one that logistics partners like DP World are working with freight owners to help resolve. Here are some of the ways we are building a more sustainable future.

1. Switching To Sustainable Fuels?

Rethinking the fuels that power ships, trucks and port operations is an important step in the right direction.

Switching away from high-emitting fossil fuels can help decarbonise shipping, road haulage and other forms of heavy transportation.

These hard-to-abate heavy transport sectors can’t simply be switched to run on battery-stored renewable electricity. Instead, faced with ambitious International Maritime Organization targets to halve CO2 emissions from shipping by 2050, fleet operators are turning to cleaner fuels like biodiesel, low-carbon ammonia or hydrogen.

Onshore, however, clean renewable energy can power port operations. DP World is building the largest rooftop solar project in the Middle East region, installing more than 157,000 solar panels across Dubai port operations. The Solar Power Programme will generate enough energy to power 4,600 homes for a year and achieve the equivalent environmental benefits as the carbon removed by 1 million trees over 10 years.?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

2. Adopt Greener Transport

Operators can also use greener solutions for onward distribution once container cargoes reach land.

Revolutionary new automated transport systems like Virgin’s Hyperloop technology will deploy magnetically-propelled high-speed cargo pods powered by renewable energy.

Operators can also connect deep sea ports with inland terminals by substituting road haulage with rail transport where possible, providing intermodal and inland services that move more cargo with less emissions. Large infrastructure projects, such as the fourth berth development at DP World’s London Gateway integrated port facility, are helping increase reliance on rail transport.

Where road haulage is unavoidable, switching to hybrid trucks or vehicles that run on cleaner fuels like hydrogen can help cut emissions.

3. Set Achievable Sustainability Targets

Setting clear, achievable goals that allow progress to be measured, recorded and improved upon is vital.

DP World’s targets are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, for example, with the company’s Our World, Our Future strategy divided into two distinct target areas.

Firstly, Our World sets ambitious key commitments to be achieved by 2030, including implementing water and waste management strategies, priority decarbonisation programmes and a campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Secondly, Our Future looks at the legacy we will leave for our industry and society, pledging to make a positive difference for future generations in core areas by 2030.????????????????????????

4. Invest In Digital Technologies????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Technology has revolutionised the way we do business, with AI-enabled, automated systems streamlining port, shipping and logistics operations. Adopting a data-driven approach helps smart systems increase efficiency and reduce waste, which is good for business and the environment.

Digital platforms let freight owners book shipments, compare quotes or access documents from a single portal, reducing the energy and resources needed to perform these operations manually, for example. Meanwhile, smart algorithms can bring a variety of energy-cutting benefits, such as guiding intelligent container stacking systems to minimise unnecessary shuffling, forecasting demand levels to avoid overproduction, and optimising vehicle routing systems to reduce emissions.

5. Support The Next Generation

Incorporating sustainability into every facet of business means encouraging the next generation of young minds to get involved and drive initiatives that make a difference.

DP World works in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to promote Carbon Ambassadors. Each year, an intake of local students is tasked with delivering projects that promote sustainable development – such as converting disused shipping containers into eco-friendly bus stops.

In this way we can create new initiatives that help build a more sustainable world. Working together, freight owners, their logistics partners and other stakeholders can learn to do what’s best for the environment – which can also be what’s best for business.