Deutsche Post DHL Group’s air and ocean freight service DHL Global Forwarding announced today the launch of a Sustainable Marine Service (SMF), aimed at enabling customers to lower the climate impact of ocean freight by reducing its main haul carbon emissions with the help of Sustainable Marine Fuels. The new service is targeted at Full-Container Load (FCL) shipments.

DHL’s announcement aligns with its recently launched Sustainability Roadmap. In March 2021, the company unveiled a series of decarbonization and environmental sustainability commitments, including planned investments of €7 billion over the next ten years in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions, with a focus on alternative aviation fuels, the expansion of the zero-emission e-vehicle fleet and climate-neutral buildings.

As companies globally increasingly aim to reduce the climate impact of their supply chains, the sustainability profile of ocean shipping is coming under growing scrutiny. According to the European Maritime Safety Agency, shipping accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to air pollution close to coastal areas and ports. One of the key tools in helping to decarbonize the industry is the transition to sustainable fuels, such as waste-based biofuels.

Following the launch of a similar service for Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments, DHL is now extending the option to Full-Container Load (LCL) shipments. Customers will be able to choose the use of sustainable biofuels via the myDHLi Quote + Book function, that includes a carbon calculator.

Dominique von Orelli, Global Head of Ocean Freight, says:

“The SMF-based service makes it easy for our customers to reduce their carbon footprint and has been very well received so far. We are very excited that we can now also offer this option for FCL shipments and provide our customers with the opportunity to decarbonize their entire ocean freight trade lanes.”

DHL announced that the first customer for the new service will be international fashion company Lindex. aided by the new program, Lindex is decarbonizing its entire ocean freight shipments.

Johan Engen, Director of Logistics at Lindex, said:

“We are at a turning point for our entire society. It is time to embrace innovation and collaboration, and together create the new normal we all would like to see – business models that are climate neutral, empowering, circular and truly sustainable. To switch our ocean freight to sustainable biofuels fuels was a natural step for us to take on our journey.”