Imagine ordering a product online that travels across oceans to reach you—not only affordable but also gentler on the planet. This vision is no longer distant; it’s unfolding now. Shipping giants are accelerating efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the collaboration between DB Schenker and MSC marks a pivotal milestone in this green transition.
The Urgency of Decarbonizing Shipping
Global trade relies heavily on maritime shipping, yet the industry accounts for approximately 3% of worldwide carbon emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Without intervention, these emissions will rise alongside trade volumes, exacerbating climate change. The need for decarbonization is urgent.
DB Schenker and MSC’s Net-Zero Initiative
To combat climate change, DB Schenker and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have partnered to cut emissions in maritime supply chains. Their agreement aims to transport at least 30,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo with net-zero emissions in 2023. This means these shipments will leave no additional carbon footprint.
How is this achieved? The answer lies in biofuels.
DB Schenker has secured 12,000 tons of biofuels, blended with conventional marine fuel, to power MSC’s container ships. The initiative covers less-than-container-load (LCL), full-container-load (FCL), and refrigerated cargo. Biofuels significantly reduce vessels’ carbon output.
Biofuels: A Key Tool for Maritime Decarbonization
Biofuels, derived from biomass like plants, algae, or waste, offer distinct advantages over fossil fuels:
- Renewability: Biomass is a replenishable resource, unlike finite fossil fuels.
- Carbon Neutrality: The CO₂ absorbed during biomass growth offsets emissions when burned, though production processes must be considered.
- Lower Emissions: Biofuels generally produce fewer greenhouse gases than traditional fuels.
Current maritime biofuels include:
- Biodiesel: Made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil, it can replace diesel directly.
- Biomethanol: Synthesized from biomass gasification, usable as fuel or an additive.
- Liquefied Biomethane (LBM): Produced via anaerobic digestion and liquefaction, suitable for ships.
Despite their promise, challenges remain:
- Cost: Biofuels are currently more expensive than fossil fuels.
- Sustainability: Production requires land and water, risking ecological harm if mismanaged.
- Technology: Efficiency and scalability need improvement.
Still, biofuels remain a critical pathway for shipping’s decarbonization, with costs likely to decline as technology advances.
Consumer Choice: Supporting Green Shipping
DB Schenker offers clients the option to pay a premium for biofuel-powered shipments. Participants receive certified emission reduction credits for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. A company spokesperson noted growing demand for climate-friendly logistics, reflecting broader corporate sustainability trends.
Carbon-Neutral Shipping: Available Today
The company emphasizes that CO₂-neutral transport isn’t a distant goal—it’s achievable now. Customers can choose biofuels just as they might select organic products at a supermarket.
DB Schenker’s Broader Green Strategy
This isn’t DB Schenker’s first green initiative. Last year, it partnered with CMA CGM to offer net-zero container shipping using over 2,500 tons of biofuels. The firm is open to further collaborations and aims to expand sustainable fuels across transport modes, including aviation via sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The Future of Green Shipping
The DB Schenker-MSC partnership underscores the industry’s shift toward sustainability. While biofuels face hurdles, innovation continues. Emerging solutions include:
- Hydrogen: A zero-emission fuel producing only water when burned.
- Ammonia: Low-carbon but requires handling toxicity and corrosion.
- Wind-Assisted Propulsion: Harnessing wind to cut fuel use.
- Electrification: Batteries or fuel cells for short-haul routes.
Green shipping reduces emissions, boosts efficiency, and enhances corporate reputations. For consumers, choosing sustainably shipped goods is a tangible way to support environmental progress.