APL Cuts Fleet's Carbon Dioxide Emissions Nearly in Half

APL, the container shipping unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, says it has reduced its fleet’s carbon dioxide emissions by 45.5% in 2015 compared to 2009 levels.

APL says the achievement marks the company’s highest carbon dioxide emissions reduction in the last six years, attributing the reducting to improvements in operational efficiency, fleet and voyage optimization, technical improvements, and more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly fleet of vessels.

“APL has steadily reduced its year-on-year carbon emissions and this demonstrates the company’s unyielding focus on sustainable shipping,” said Kenneth Glenn, APL President. “APL is dedicated to sound environmental stewardship and will persevere in our efforts to live out our commitments to protecting the environment.”

APL is a member of BSR Clean Cargo Working Group, collaborating with other stakeholders to oversee the group’s approach in driving improvements in the global transport of goods, namely performance measurement and reporting, as well as promotion of environmentally responsible practices. APL’s carbon dioxide emissions data was verified by Lloyd’s Register Group according to the CCWG verification protocol and ISO14064-3:2006 standard.

The company’s initiatives in environmental excellence have consistently been recognized by the industry. In 2015, APL received the Environmental Shipping Index award from HAROPA, the French port of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris for its exemplary performance in reducing air emissions that exceeds the emission standards of the International Maritime Organisation. Previously, it also won the Port Metro Vancouver Blue Circle Award for excellence in air emissions reduction; and the 75 Green Supply Chain Partners award by Inbound Logistics magazine for attaining its carbon emissions target.

APL’s announcement comes the shipping industry is under increased pressure to reduce carbon emissions from the global fleet.