DP World Joins Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping

Dubai-based port operator and cargo logistics specialist DP World has entered into a strategic partnership with Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.

Launched in 2020 as an independent, not-for-profit organization, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is undertaking intensive research and development to find practical ways to decarbonize the maritime industry through several global initiatives.

The founding company partners behind the initiative include ABS, A.P. Møller – Mærsk, Cargill, MAN Energy Solutions, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, NYK Line and Siemens Energy. The center, which will be based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is made possible by a start-up donation of DKK 400 million by the A.P. Møller Foundation.

The maritime shipping industry accounts for about 3% of carbon emissions globally. Through the International Maritime Organization, the industry is seeking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, compared with 2008 levels, and will work towards phasing out GHG emissions from shipping entirely as soon as possible in this century. The initial strategy, which is set to be finalized by 2023, seeks a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping, as an average across the industry, by at least 40% by 2030, while also pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008.

As a partner, DP World is committing to long-term strategic collaboration and contribution to the development of zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry. DP World will make several of its specialists available to the Center in Copenhagen to provide insights to end to end supply chains and help demonstrate and test new solutions across the value chain in a live setting.

“Decarbonizing the maritime industry is changing an entire business system and it requires completely new supply chains and structures. DP World brings extensive and very valuable expertise in integrated logistics and infrastructure, and they have a deep understanding of the complexity we are facing,” said Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO of Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping. “Their proactive response to addressing climate change and strong sustainability focus is very aligned with our mission and we look very much forward to having DP World onboard.”

“DP World moves 10 percent of global cargo and we are excited to be working alongside other leading organizations committed to a collaborative approach to solving the challenges of achieving zero-carbon economies,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.

“Our Marine Services business including the Unifeeder Group, represent almost 75% of our carbon footprint through their fleet of vessels and working with the Center is an important part of developing solutions as we pursue our own net zero target by 2040,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said.