How DP World Made 100,000 Containers More Sustainable

DP World is at the forefront of global trade, providing end-to-end supply chain solutions that span ports, terminals, marine services, logistics and technology.

With a workforce of more than 100,000 operating across six continents, the company is committed to making global trade more efficient and sustainable.

In the UK, DP World has invested more than £5bn (US$6.2bn) to develop an integrated logistics network. This includes two deep-sea terminals at London Gateway and Southampton, a growing logistics business, a customs clearance technology provider and a major ferry operator.

Now, the company is driving forward its latest sustainability initiative—the Carbon Inset Programme. In just two months, more than 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of import-laden containers have been registered by cargo owners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Cutting emissions with the Carbon Inset Programme

Launched in December 2024 and trialled from January 2025, the Carbon Inset Programme rewards importers with carbon credits.

For every loaded container moved through London Gateway and Southampton, participating businesses receive 50kg CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) in carbon credits. These credits can be used to offset emissions from supply chain activities, making it easier for companies to meet sustainability goals.

If half of all import cargo owners sign up during the six-month trial, the programme is expected to cut over 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from supply chains.

“At DP World we are committed to innovation and offering our customers transparent and pragmatic solutions that help them achieve their sustainability goals," says John Trenchard, Vice President of Commercial & Supply Chain at DP World in the UK.

"Through our revolutionary Carbon Inset Programme, we are working with partners in the DP World group to build on what we have already achieved with our Modal Shift Programme, which reduced the carbon emissions of our customers by more than 17,000 tonnes in its first year.

"We have already seen a surge in sign-ups to the Carbon Inset Programme, putting this programme on the course to success.”

Carbon credits and sustainable fuels

A key part of the programme is DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, which helps generate carbon credits by using lower-emission fuels across its Northern European shipping network.

These credits are independently verified and pooled quarterly, allowing importers to demonstrate their environmental commitments and meet sustainability targets.

By providing a structured, verifiable way to cut Scope 3 emissions, those generated indirectly through supply chain activities, DP World is giving businesses a practical solution to comply with stricter emissions regulations and corporate sustainability policies.

With growing pressure on companies to operate cleaner supply chains, initiatives like this offer a clear way to take meaningful action.

DP World’s wider sustainability strategy includes a commitment to reduce absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Programmes such as the Carbon Inset initiative play a key role in reaching these goals while helping businesses lower their carbon footprint.

Expanding a global logistics network

Beyond sustainability efforts, DP World continues to strengthen its global supply chain network.

Operating in 78 countries and handling 10% of global trade, the company provides logistics, forwarding and European transport services that connect seamlessly with its ports and terminals.

This extensive network allows businesses to move goods efficiently while also benefiting from DP World’s carbon reduction initiatives.

As supply chains grow more complex, DP World’s solutions show how logistics providers can help businesses navigate sustainability challenges without compromising efficiency or reliability.

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