A group of Dutch multinationals - FrieslandCampina, Heineken, Philips, DSM, Shell and Unilever- will partner with A.P. Moller - Maersk to take a tangible step toward the decarbonization of ocean shipping.
A pilot, using up to 20 percent sustainable second-generation biofuels on a large tripe E- ocean vessel will sail 25.000 nautical miles from Rotterdam to Shanghai and back on biofuel blends alone, saving 1.5 million kilograms CO2 and 20,000 kilograms of sulphur.
The companies agree that tackling harmful emissions is needed and that cross-industry collaboration is required to develop, test and implement new solutions. The DSGC members played a critical role in the pilot, as Shell acted as the fuel supplier and Maersk played the role of operating partner.
“DSGC companies join in action to contribute to the UN SDGs. With this initiative we focus on Climate Action (SDG 13). We have taken the initiative to partner with A.P. Moller-Maersk on this important effort,” says Jan Peter Balkenende, Chair of the DSGC. “This pilot testing biofuel on a cross ocean shipping lane, marks an important step. However, many more innovations are urgently needed. These can only be successfully developed, tested and implemented in industry collaborations like this.”
Shipping accounts for 90 percent of transported goods and 3 percent of total global CO2-emissions and is set to rise to 15 percent by 2050 if left unchecked. The CO2 savings of this journey equates to the annual CO2 emitted by over 200 households in a year.
The voyage will take place between March and June 2019.
