DP World Launches EcoRoute to Cut Logistics Carbon Emissions

DP World has introduced EcoRoute in response to the logistics sector's environmental challenge. The freight and logistics industry accounts for 10% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, according to DP World.

The multinational logistics company operates in 83 countries across six continents. DP World is working to reduce emissions without compromising supply chain performance through its new suite of solutions.

The initiative comes at a critical time when businesses face mounting pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Supply chain emissions have become a focal point for corporate sustainability strategies as organisations seek to meet net zero commitments.

Addressing logistics emissions

Transportation contributes 60% of logistics-related carbon emissions, according to DP World. This is due to the use of fossil fuels across ships, trucks and aircraft. Maritime shipping alone handles approximately 90% of global trade, making it a crucial area for emissions reduction efforts.

Scope 3 emissions make up 75% of a company's overall carbon footprint, according to DP World. Poor visibility and increased complexity make these emissions difficult to tackle. These indirect emissions occur throughout the value chain, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

Consumer demand for sustainable shopping choices has pushed companies to minimise their environmental impact. Stronger regulations and increasing investor scrutiny have also prompted business leaders to turn to their logistics partners for new approaches.

DP World has introduced EcoRoute to meet customer expectations for efficient and sustainable supply chain operations. The company is investing in innovations and creating new solutions to push the sector towards more resilient and sustainable means of trade.

EcoRoute's operational framework

"EcoRoute is about turning ambition into action," says Ayla Bajwa, DP World Group Senior Vice President of Sustainability. "It gives our customers the tools, insights and partnerships needed to reduce emissions across complex supply chains, while also delivering broader environmental and social impact."

The suite of solutions aims to make it easier for logistics companies to reduce their impact and for organisations to tackle their Scope 3 emissions. DP World is using modal shift programmes, electric transport solutions and alternative fuels to reduce emissions and logistics costs.

Modal shift programmes involve transitioning freight from high-emission transport modes to lower-emission alternatives. This could mean moving goods from air freight to sea freight or from road transport to rail where feasible.

The company is also using eco-friendly warehouses and facilities. Through a multimodal solution, DP World can have tighter control over transportation with greater visibility for the client. These facilities incorporate renewable energy systems, efficient lighting and climate control technologies.

Measured results and networks

DP World's approach aims to balance cost, speed and emissions to develop more resilient supply chains. The company helped a major retailer in Africa increase transported volumes by 45% despite only increasing fleet size by 5%, according to DP World. This was achieved by using a centralised Logistics Control Tower solution with an 88% improvement in vehicle utilisation.

The Control Tower provides real-time visibility across the entire supply chain. This enables dynamic decision-making that responds to disruptions while maintaining sustainability objectives.

Carbon insetting programmes address Scope 3 emissions with results in Southampton and London Gateway. In 2025, DP World generated more than 9,400 tonnes of verified CO₂ insets across 257,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of cargo flows, according to the company.

DP World's Carbon Emissions Calculator offers end-to-end visibility of emissions across transport models. This helps customers gain insights into where they can reduce their own emissions.

"At DP World, we believe a well-connected supply chain is a more sustainable one," says Beat Simon, DP World Group Chief Operating Officer, Logistics. "EcoRoute helps customers reduce emissions while improving efficiency and resilience by combining connectivity, data and operational expertise across our global network."

EcoRoute allows for collaboration with DP World's customers and partners. By using integrated and tailored solutions, businesses can improve supply chain performance without restructuring logistics networks or managing multiple providers. The platform enables data sharing between stakeholders, creating transparency throughout the supply chain.