Reducing carbon footprint is a key objective within Maersk Line. Having less negative impact on the environment differentiates Maersk Line from the competition and gives an extra edge when making sales. More often than not, it also helps to reduce costs. That it is why it is a key element of the sustainability strategy.
Recently East China has led the way in showing that a targeted yet holistic approach can drive down CO2 emissions significantly. Instituting 18 different initiatives Maersk Line East China succeeded in reducing emissions by 2.5% for every kilometre a twenty foot equivalent unit was transported.
Some examples of these initiatives are:
Ensuring that, where possible, containers are emptied and released at the port terminal.
Reducing unnecessary moves in operations
Using more barges to position empty containers, avoiding the less efficient use of trucks
Working with suppliers to change to more environmentally friendly power supplies
Working with suppliers to increase the use of more fuel efficient equipment
East China has experienced several challenges in the reporting and calculation of CO2 emissions. Tim Smith, NAS Region Chief Executive explains: “We’ve seen good environmental initiatives on both vessel and terminal operation; however, initiatives on inland operations were less reported partly because of the difficulty calculating the levels of emissions.”
To overcome these challenges PRE also worked on a system to measure the CO2 emissions of inland operations, using both internal and external data sources. These efforts have been widely recognised, including by customers, as adding value to the emissions reduction drive.
If you wish to read more about the initiatives made in East China to reduce CO2 emissions, please click here.
