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.