Maersk & Unilever: How EVs are Decarbonising Saudi Arabia

A.P. Moller – Maersk and Unilever have joined forces to introduce sustainable logistics solutions in Saudi Arabia with the launch of a new electric van.

This initiative marks a significant stride toward decarbonising logistics and aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitious sustainability goals.

Building sustainable supply chains

Maersk, a global integrated logistics company, continues to simplify supply chains and connect communities worldwide.

The company aims for net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 through investments in new vessels, advanced technologies and lower-emission fuels.

Currently, Maersk offers low-emission trucking services in more than 14 countries, including Chile, the USA, China and India. The company’s progress toward its 2040 goal relies heavily on collaboration with its partners, customers, and suppliers.

Unilever also targets achieving net zero across its value chain by 2039, reducing GHG emissions from logistics by up to 50% by 2030.

For both companies, their decarbonisation roadmaps focus on electrifying transport and embedding sustainability throughout their logistics networks.

Their collaboration to bring electric logistics to Saudi Arabia’s transport sector underlines the strength of the Maersk–Unilever alliance. Together, they will ensure the necessary infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and operational planning are in place to make the initiative a success.

"As electric vehicle technology advances and charging infrastructure expands across Saudi Arabia, we're seeing more opportunities to deploy emission-free trucks in place of diesel units," says Ahmed Elesseily, Managing Director at Maersk Saudi Arabia.

"We're proud to partner with forward-thinking customers like Unilever, who are committed to decarbonising logistics solutions that deliver value throughout their supply chain."

Implementing electrification

The launch represents a major step forward for Maersk, Unilever and Saudi Arabia in their shared decarbonisation ambitions.

Saudi Vision 2030 outlines a plan for a thriving, efficient society and a sustainable economy supported by renewable energy. Its environmental targets include cutting carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually and generating 50% of energy from renewable sources. The introduction of electric vehicles is a critical component of this wider sustainability transformation.

Both Maersk and Unilever aim to scale electric fleets across Saudi operations while exploring further innovations such as solar-powered warehousing and intermodal transport.

The newly launched electric van will operate with the BinDawoof Group, one of Unilever’s main retail partners. It will cover up to 3,500km monthly within a 50km radius. The partners have already integrated their warehouses into a single fulfilment centre at Maersk’s Logistics Park in Jeddah, achieving a 5% reduction in emissions.

The Park itself showcases advanced sustainability infrastructure, featuring a 64,000sqm rooftop solar plant and an innovative cooling system that uses ammonia — a natural refrigerant — and seawater in place of potable water. This setup demonstrates the companies’ ability to embed sustainability within logistics operations.

"This is the first van deployment in our Saudi fleet, and it represents our commitment to reducing logistics-related emissions wherever feasible. This is another building block of our emission reduction plans in partnership with Maersk," adds Ahmed Kadous, VP of Customer Operations Pakistan, Turkey, Arabia and Bangladesh at Unilever.

​​​​​​​"The electric van, combined with solar energy charging infrastructure, means we practically reduce emissions by 100% compared to a conventional truck. We’re proud to introduce this innovation in Saudi Arabia, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and joining global efforts. By improving efficiency and cutting emissions, we strengthen sustainability while delivering greater value to our customers."

Maersk’s broader decarbonisation journey includes multiple low-emission transport solutions and continued investments in sustainable end-to-end logistics. Meanwhile, Unilever continues to expand sustainability measures throughout its supply chain, including regenerative agriculture initiatives and the prioritisation of renewable energy across its global operations.