According to DP World, Southampton became the first container port in the UK to eliminate fossil diesel from its operations entirely and transition to HVO (last April). This followed a series of trials on straddle carriers, lift trucks and generators for reefer containers.

The company estimates the switch from diesel to HVO at the port saves around 14,000 tons of CO2E per annum, the equivalent of taking more than 8,000 family cars off the roads. At no time has DP World explained the origin of the HVO (ie is the plam oil grown sustainably?), but it does regard it as a transtionary fuel and is looking towards green hydrogen as a fuel of the future). As a further step now, it has also invested heavily in hybrid straddle carriers at Southampton.

Steve McCrindle, DP World’s Port Operations Director at Southampton, said: “We are delighted by the progress we have made on our green journey since moving to sustainable HVO last April. The transition away from fossil diesel means that the overwhelming majority of the fuel used at Southampton now comes from a green and renewable source.”

“We will use HVO for the entirety of 2023 and therefore expect a further 35% net reduction in carbon emissions from our fleet and installations by the end of the year, making for a 90% reduction compared with 2021.”

DP World also states that Southampton already has the highest proportion of containers moved by rail in the UK (up to 30%). Combined with London Gateway, this means around 300,000 trucks are taken off UK roads each year, saving emissions and reducing congestion.

The company has earmarked a further £1B for investment in the UK over the next 10 years, including in rail.

DP World announced plans in November to invest up to US$500M to cut carbon emissions from its operations by nearly 700,000 tonnes over the next five years. The reduction represents a 20% cut from 2021 levels, through electrifying assets, investing in renewable power and exploring alternative fuels.

DP World aims to be a carbon neutral business by 2040 and has a clear roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 across its entire global network.