Danish international shipping and logistics company DFDS on Tuesday (1 September) revealed the main goals in its new climate action plan: To become climate neutral by 2050 and a relative reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by close to 45% from 2008 to 2030. 

DFDS notes that this corresponds to an approximate reduction of 25-35% between 2019 and 2030. 

In 2019, DFDS emitted 2 million metric tonnes of CO2- 90% of which was from its vessels. The company said that continuing to do so would have a negative impact on the environment and climate. 

This also poses a significant economic risk: customers will find more climate-friendly suppliers and the costs related to regulatory requirements will increase, it said.

DFDS shared that its response to this is a new strategic climate action plan that will make it climate neutral by 2050. 

Team members from the DFDS Technical Organisation, Innovation & Partnerships, CSR, and Strategy & Consulting have supported the management team in the development of this plan, and the Executive Management Team will track its development on a quarterly basis.

DFDS said its plan consists of two overall tracks covering the tonnage adaptation in short term and long term, as well as a third track ‘getting the house in order’ that covers all other things like facilities and terminal equipment.

1. The short-term tonnage adaptation plan consists of initiatives to be implemented throughout the next 10 years, resulting in close to 45% reduction from 2008 to 2030. 

• It widely consists of minor technical upgrades, including solutions like the use of the correct coatings on vessel hulls and decision support systems. But the fleet will also undergo major upgrades, like modifications of bulbs and propellers.

2. The long-term tonnage adaptation plan is all about how we replace fossil fuels with the new generation of zero emission fuel. 

• The new sustainable fuels are renewable energy stored in the form of for instance ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol. 
• Storing, handling and using these new fuels is very different. 
• We need to learn a lot to be able to make the right strategic decisions. Projects and partnerships will help us learn and share knowledge and reach our goals. 
• The long-term tonnage adaptation plan focuses on our new generation of ships.

3.  The company added that getting the house in order addresses the remaining 10% of its total emissions:  emissions that don’t come from its vessel-related activities. 

• Initiatives like electric trucks, energy consumption for buildings and hybrid/electric company cars will engage all its colleagues across the business in helping DFDS develop ways of becoming more sustainable. 

“I am very happy that we now have this ambitious and comprehensive climate action plan in place. It clearly states how we can and will take responsibility for the environment,” said DFDS CEO Torben Carlsen.

“It will also help us stay relevant as a service provider in 10, 15, 50 years from now. With the support of every one of our employees, we will be able to turn this plan into reality and at the same time continue our existing efforts to support the environment and local communities.”

Photo credit: DFDS
Published: 3 September, 2020