Hapag-Lloyd on Monday (11 April) said it is further strengthening its long-standing partnership with Kuehne+Nagel and, for the first time, collaborating on emission-reduced ocean transport solutions using sustainable marine fuels (SMF).
As part of this agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will utilise Hapag-Lloyd’s “Ship Green” product to reduce the carbon footprint of its ocean freight shipments.
The agreement marked an important milestone in the relationship between the two companies. For the period from April to December 2026, approximately 3,300 TEU of cargo transported on the East Asia to North Europe trade lane will be covered under the agreement.
Through the use of certified waste- and residue-based biofuels (SMF), the initiative is expected to avoid around 2,979 tonnes of CO₂e emissions on a well-to-wake basis.
“We are proud to take our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel to the next level,” said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd.
“With Ship Green, we offer a scalable solution that enables our customers to actively reduce their Scope 3 emissions today. This agreement shows how strong partnerships can translate into tangible climate impact.”
Paolo Montrone, Head of Trade Global Sea Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, added: “Decarbonising shipping requires transparency, collaboration and commercially viable solutions.
“By having strong partnerships, making emissions data transparent, and enabling scope 3 reductions, we help customers navigate in a credible, market-based way, designed to accelerate the uptake of alternative fuels. We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Hapag Lloyd to make this come true.”
The agreement is based on a book-and-claim chain-of-custody mechanism that allows customers to claim verified emission reductions, regardless of the physical fuel allocation to specific vessels or routes.
Only emissions reductions from biofuel that has been used in Hapag-Lloyd’s operated fleet is allocated to Kuehne+Nagel. This model enables scalable climate action, utilising waste based biofuel as a bridge solution.
Both companies are committed to ambitious climate goals. Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, while Kuehne+Nagel has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2050. Offering sustainable logistic solutions to customers is a key lever to achieve these goals.
By working together and leveraging sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim approach, Kuehne+Nagel and Hapag-Lloyd are contributing to the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future and energy independence.
Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd
Published: 12 May, 2026
