Hapag-Lloyd and DSV have signed a two-year framework agreement under the Ship Green program for the acquisition of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from scope 3. The reductions will be generated through the use of sustainable marine fuels in Hapag-Lloyd's fleet.
This expansion of collaboration relies on a prior cooperation already established between both companies in the field of sustainable marine biofuels, initiated in 2022. Under the new agreement, DSV has contracted a total of 18,000 tons of CO₂e in emission reductions calculated on a well-to-wake (WTW) basis. The contracted period begins in 2026, during which the emission reductions will be generated through second-generation biofuels produced from waste and raw materials, allowing for tangible verification of progress toward zero-net-emission maritime transport.
In addition to second-generation biofuels, the agreement includes the incorporation of other sources of sustainable fuel, being the first of its kind in the sector. Danny Smolders, Global Sales Director at Hapag-Lloyd, noted that both companies share a clear ambition to accelerate the decarbonization of global supply chains and that the agreement demonstrates how shipping companies and freight forwarders can work together to scale maritime transport solutions with lower emissions. For his part, Michael Hollstein, Ocean Product Manager at DSV, described the agreement as a significant step in the joint efforts to decarbonize global maritime transport at a crucial moment for the green transition, emphasizing that sustainable marine fuels represent a tangible and scalable solution to reduce CO₂ emissions.
The agreement is based on a book-and-claim custody chain mechanism that allows customers to claim verified emission reductions regardless of the physical allocation of fuel to specific ships or routes. The emission reduction from biofuel already used in the fleet operated by Hapag-Lloyd is solely allocated to DSV. This model allows for scaling climate action in a context where sustainable marine fuels remain limited in availability.
Both companies maintain ambitious climate commitments. Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero emissions fleet operations by 2045, while DSV has committed to achieving net-zero emissions in its own operations and value chain by 2050. Offering sustainable logistics solutions to clients is a key element in reaching these goals.
Hapag-Lloyd has been using second-generation biofuels for several years and expanded its portfolio of sustainable fuels with the incorporation of biomethane in 2024. Through Ship Green, the shipping company offers its clients the possibility to claim verified emission reductions through the use of sustainable marine fuels in place of conventional marine fuel oil. Biofuels currently represent the most available and scalable option in maritime transport, and DSV actively works with its clients to increase their adoption.