Sustainable Solutions and Green Initiatives Spanning the Global Supply Chain
Supply Chain Solutions is a member of Smartway, a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the freight industry. Their goal is to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution.
Our team has all the necessary tools and information available to be able to advise our clients on the options with the lowest possible emissions for international freight operations.
Most of the major steamship lines are following the trend of trading in their older vessels for newer, more efficient models. Nearly all of them offer some form of carbon emissions neutrality option when booking a shipment, with a great example being Hapag's 'Ship Green' program, allowing shippers to opt into anywhere from 25-100% emissions avoidance.
As the global community heightens its focus on sustainability, the World Shipping Council (WSC) and major corporations like Maersk and Apple are taking significant strides toward greener practices. The WSC, ahead of the EU parliamentary elections in June, has urged the European Commission to prioritize de-carbonization and reduce trade barriers. With the maritime sector playing a crucial role in Europe's economy—managing two-thirds of the EU’s seaborne trade valued at €1.7 trillion annually—the need for a collaborative effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 is more pressing than ever.
The WSC's report, “Setting Course Together for a Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Maritime Sector,” outlines vital recommendations for the 2024–2029 EU policy priorities, emphasizing the necessity of a global pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This initiative supports the International Maritime Organization's efforts to establish a global GHG pricing mechanism by spring 2025 and a GHG fuel standard aimed at eliminating fossil fuel vessels.
Meanwhile, Maersk is making waves with its ECO Delivery Ocean service, which has seen a 37% increase in the use of its low-emission bio-fuel product in 2023. Despite a slow uptake due to higher costs, nearly 60% of Maersk’s top 200 customers have committed to science-based targets for net-zero emissions. This is a significant shift in customer attitudes toward embracing low-emission shipping services.
On the corporate front, Apple has demonstrated remarkable progress in its environmental efforts, having reduced its scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions by 55% since 2015. The tech giant aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 and has already made significant investments in renewable energy and recycled materials. In its 2023 Environmental Report, Apple highlights its ongoing commitment to climate action, evident in its substantial emissions reductions concurrent with a 64% revenue growth since 2015.
These initiatives across various sectors indicate a robust movement towards sustainability, driven by a combination of regulatory encouragement and corporate responsibility. As these efforts expand and deepen, the integration of green practices is set to reshape industries, promising a future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand.
Get in touch with our team to take your supply chain to the next level here.