DP World rolls out carbon inset scheme at Southampton

DP World has introduced a carbon inset scheme at its Southampton terminal, enabling customers to claim a share of emissions reductions generated at the port towards their own supply chain targets.

The initiative centres on Container Terminal Inset Certificates, created through emissions reductions achieved at Southampton.

Measures including the use of biofuels such as HVO, port-wide electrification, and renewable energy generation have delivered measurable carbon savings, which are converted into certificates for customer use in Scope 3 emissions reporting.

From 1 April 2026, the certificates will be automatically applied to qualifying cargo moving through DP World Southampton, with each allocation representing a share of 250kg CO2e.

Customers will receive independently verified documentation to support sustainability disclosures.

The certificates form part of DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme, launched in January 2025 in partnership with 123Carbon.

The programme has registered more than 250,000 TEUs of cargo in its first year, issuing over 9,000 tonnes of CO2e savings. Initially planned as a 12-month trial, it has since been extended to 31 December 2026.

John Trenchard, Vice President – Sustainable International Supply Chains, Europe at DP World, said: “At DP World, we believe decarbonising global supply chains requires practical solutions that deliver measurable impact today.

“This scheme will turn real emissions reductions at Southampton into verified savings our customers can count towards their Scope 3 targets. By working with partners like Bureau Veritas and 123Carbon, we’re scaling a model that recognises the critical role ports play in driving lower-carbon logistics across road, rail and sea.”

Jeroen van Heiningen, Chief Executive Officer at 123Carbon, added: “This project is a landmark milestone, as it represents a new standard on how carbon reductions realised in port operations can be shared with owners. The development of such a standard together with industry leaders as DP World is necessary to ensure companies can safely and securely reduce transport-related emissions from origin to destination, regardless of transport type and including container handling at ports.”

In the UK, the programme is funded through an Energy Transition Contribution applied to all import laden containers handled at DP World UK ports.

Registered users moving containers into the UK via these terminals can access carbon credits to address residual emissions across vessel operations, tug activity, and terminal handling.

Recently, DP World strengthened supply chain efficiency between Japan and the Philippines by supporting a new direct shipping link used by Ichijo Komuten Co., Ltd., a major Japanese homebuilder.