What is DP World's Insetify Carbon Inset Trial for Scope 3?

​​​​​​​Global volatility has underscored the urgent need for sustainable logistics practices across the industry.

According to current data, the logistics sector accounts for nearly 24% of global CO₂ emissions, spanning road freight, maritime and air transport.

In response to this challenge, DP World is introducing Insetify, a carbon inset trial designed to reduce Scope 3 emissions across key European trade routes.

DP World is a multinational logistics company specialising in cargo logistics, port terminal operations, maritime services and free trade zones.

As a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, the company works to ensure the future viability of global international trade.

Since 2020, it has pursued this through various sustainability initiatives, including electrifying fleets and supporting customers in decarbonising their supply chains through its Low Carbon Truck Programme in the UK.

This programme provided truck operators with greater access to sustainable fuel, reducing emissions whilst boosting efficiency.

Tackling indirect supply chain emissions

The company is now launching Insetify, a carbon inset trial aimed at reducing emissions across key European trade lanes.

The initiative targets ocean freight forwarding customers in Belgium, Portugal and Sweden, helping them address their Scope 3 emissions.

These emissions typically account for 70-90% of most companies' total carbon footprint, yet remain more challenging to track and tackle as they occur indirectly throughout the supply chain.

The programme could deliver immediate and measurable reductions in Scope 3, enabling customers to better reach their net-zero goals.

From 1 April, customers booking ocean freight forwarding services with DP World in Belgium, Portugal and Sweden will automatically receive credits.

Qualifying importers and exporters will receive carbon credits directly each quarter, with the Carbon Inset Credits making up 100 kg carbon dioxide equivalent of containerised ocean freight per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) shipped per quarter.

The credits are applied at no extra cost to qualifying customers, functioning as a complimentary benefit to DP World services.

Credits are applied once a threshold of 25 TEUs per quarter is reached by the customer.

A customer shipping 50 TEUs in a quarter will receive credits equal to 5,000 kg (5 t CO₂e) that quarter, helping them ship more responsibly without altering their strategy or incurring additional spend.

Building on existing UK programmes

"Providing customers with multiple solutions to enable the decarbonisation of supply chains is important to DP World," explains John Trenchard, VP for Sustainable International Supply Chains, Europe at DP World.

"As part of our proactive approach to working alongside clients, we are recognising an immediate focus on inland activity and a high level of residual emissions within ocean legs.

"The Insetify trial allows for a pragmatic approach to managing these residual emissions as part of a longer-term, holistic plan.

"I would encourage organisations to explore how carbon insets can be used as part of intentional progress."

The trial builds on DP World's ongoing UK-based Carbon Inset Programme, which is operating across the ports of Southampton and London Gateway.

The programme was established in January 2025 and has registered more than 250,000 TEUs, as well as issued more than 9,000 t CO₂e of Carbon Inset Credits.

DP World's carbon insets reduce value chain emissions by using lower-carbon fuels or more efficient transport options.

Through this approach, customers are addressing their Scope 3 emissions and witnessing measurable change.

The programmes use carbon credits generated through the deployment of lower carbon fuel in DP World's subsidiary, DP World Shipping Solutions.

"The launch of the Insetify trial will coincide with the opening of DP World's new Stockholm and Gothenburg offices, which were announced in March 2025 as part of DP World's landmark freight forwarding expansion into Scandinavia," announces Bojan Knightly, Country Manager Sweden, Freight Forwarding at DP World.

"Supporting DP World's global net zero by 2050 ambition, DP World Sweden is also aiming to offer up to 25% of shipments via rail and sea in the first operational year to reduce road emissions and 100% e-documentation and online invoicing to eliminate paper processes."

The trial is also supported by sustainability training, enabling customers to learn more about the trial and other ways to address their supply chain emissions.

By offering this guidance, DP World is helping its customers gain resilience and detailed insights into supply chain decarbonisation, allowing them to make their own changes across the value chain.