DP World’s container terminal at Southampton, UK, enjoyed its greenest year yet in 2022 after delivering a 55% reduction in net carbon emissions from its fleet and installations.
DP World runs two deep water ports at Southampton and London Gateway with access to freight rail terminals, and a rapidly expanding logistics park. The news represents a major step forward for DP World’s ambitious plans to reduce emissions after Southampton became the first port in the UK to eliminate fossil diesel from its operations entirely and transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in April 2022. HVO is a renewable biodiesel derived from sustainable sources which, as well as lowering CO2 emissions, reduces levels of NOx, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. DP World estimates the switch from diesel to HVO at the port saves around 14,000t of CO2 annually.
Steve McCrindle, DP World Port Operations Director Southampton, said: “We are delighted by the progress we have made on our green journey since moving to sustainable HVO last April. The transition away from fossil diesel means that the overwhelming majority of the fuel used at Southampton now comes from a green and renewable source. We will use HVO for the entirety of 2023 and therefore expect a further 35% net reduction in carbon emissions from our fleet and installations by the end of the year, making for a 90% reduction compared with 2021. This sector-leading performance shows our commitment to playing our part in helping the UK meet its Net Zero 2050 policy.”
DP World operates ports, terminals and logistics businesses on six continents. At London Gateway the new £350m fourth berth, which will lift capacity by a third when it opens in 2024, will be all-electric and the UK’s first all-electric terminal tractor is now in service. The company has earmarked a further £1bn for investment in the UK over the next 10 years.
DP World announced plans in November 2022 to invest up to US$ 500m to cut carbon emissions from its operations by nearly 700,000t over the next five years. The reduction represents a 20% cut from 2021 levels, through electrifying assets, investing in renewable power and exploring alternative fuels. In the longer term, DP World aims to be a carbon neutral business by 2040 and has a roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 across its global network.
