DP World Southampton Pioneers Sustainability in Ports

DP World's container terminal in Southampton is on a critical path to achieving operational net zero emissions by 2025.

Building upon the work already accomplished, the terminal has managed to cut its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 87% when compared to 2021 figures, as confirmed by LRQA. This monumental task began with a turning point in 2022, where the port eliminated fossil diesel entirely, transitioning to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable biodiesel that has substantially lowered net carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% while improving air quality in the region.

Looking forward, the terminal is set to reach its key milestone of operational net zero. This ambitious goal takes into account the verified data gathered from 2021 to 2024 and the ongoing and planned decarbonisation initiatives. Once a 10% reduction beyond the baseline emissions is achieved, the remaining carbon footprint will be addressed by retiring carbon credits to offset final enduring emissions.

Combining innovation with strategic offsetting

Achieving operational net zero involves balancing greenhouse gas emissions from DP World Southampton’s Scope 1 and 2 activities with measures to neutralise their impact, aligning with international protocols such as the Paris Agreement and the guidance from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This strategy, which forms a cornerstone of DP World's global decarbonisation targets, is rethinking how ports operate sustainably.

The terminal, a vital component of the UK's supply chain, is committed to an overarching decarbonisation strategy blending emissions reduction with quality carbon offsetting. Using 2021 as the baseline year, DP World Southampton formulated a comprehensive five-year plan, emphasizing three core pillars:

• Energy Efficiency Revolution
  
• Operational Innovation
  
• Strategic Offsetting​​​​​​​

These pillars focus on enhancing energy efficiency through advanced technologies, increasing renewable energy usage, and retiring verified carbon credits under ISO standards for unavoidable emissions.

This commitment aligns with Southampton City’s own aspirations to achieve net zero by 2035, positioning DP World's progress as essential in supporting regional sustainability efforts.

Ambitious long-term targets

Looking beyond 2025, DP World Southampton is dedicated to meeting global business objectives like reducing Scope 3 supply chain emissions by 28% by 2030 and achieving comprehensive net zero across all emission scopes by 2050. This long-term vision encompasses impactful initiatives like the Modal Shift Programme and Carbon Inset Programme Trial, both designed to mitigate supply chain emissions.

John Trenchard, Vice President - Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World in the UK, emphasises a strong company commitment to sustainability: "Our achievements at Southampton port are a result of collective effort and a robust sustainability strategy, underscored by investments in innovative solutions and our continued support of greener supply chains."

DP World is also enhancing regional efforts through measures like the Green Charter, encouraging greener truck operations at ports, and partnerships like those with Hampshire Wildlife Trust, which has introduced seabins to combat local waterway pollution. The terminal's initiative to trial Carbon Inset Programmes exemplifies efforts to lessen hard-to-abate Scope 3 emissions in containerised supply chains, with significant participation from stakeholders indicating positive industry reception.

These initiatives, alongside investments at DP World's London Gateway, including electrification projects and significant enhancements for energy transition, showcase a broader commitment to sustainable port operations throughout the UK. Each new advancement solidifies DP World’s leadership role in fostering greener logistics and resiliency in sustainable supply chains.

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