DP World issues first carbon inset certificates

UK – DP World has issued its first carbon inset certificates to cargo owners in the UK, marking a significant step in its effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions within supply chains.

The move follows strong interest in the company’s Carbon Inset Programme, which launched in January 2025 and has already seen over 150,000 import containers registered.

The certificates apply to containers moved through DP World’s terminals in London Gateway and Southampton in the first quarter of the year.

Each loaded import container earns 50kg of CO2e credits. These credits help companies reduce their Scope 3 emissions, which come from third-party sources in their supply chains.

Unlike carbon offsets that rely on outside projects such as tree planting, DP World’s insets reduce emissions directly within the supply chain.

The reductions come from changes like cleaner fuels and more efficient transport operations, particularly through DP World’s subsidiary, Unifeeder, which uses lower-carbon fuels across its Northern European shipping routes.

John Trenchard, vice president for commercial and supply chain at DP World UK, described the early success of the programme. “DP World is committed to providing our customers pragmatic solutions to help them meet their sustainability goals and our innovative Carbon Inset Programme is doing just that,” he said.

“With 150,000 TEUs worth of registrations since January, the trial has been an undeniable success so far and its extension to the end of the year is a testament to the confidence we have that more cargo owners stand to benefit from the programme’s incentives.”

Trenchard also highlighted DP World’s ongoing investment in electric container-handling equipment and other projects focused on reducing emissions at UK logistics hubs.

John Hopkins, CEO of Fyffes UK, which has joined the programme, added, “Fyffes engages with supply chain partners to deliver fresh, healthy and sustainably grown produce in a collective effort to share value and enrich the lives of people around the world. We have signed up to the innovative Carbon Inset Programme offered by DP World UK as this is an immediate and pragmatic way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain.”

DP World has confirmed that the inset credits are verified independently and pooled every quarter, giving cargo owners a reliable way to track progress on their climate goals.

Expanding in Africa

Meanwhile, DP World continues to grow its presence in Africa. The company recently announced a US$165 million expansion at the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. The project will double container handling capacity from 255,000 to 530,000 TEUs and increase quay length to 650 meters.

The upgrade will support Mozambique’s agricultural exports by boosting reefer plug capacity.

In Senegal, construction is underway at the US$1.2 billion Port of Ndayane. This deep-water port will reduce pressure on Dakar’s port and support larger vessels. Once operational, it is expected to support more than two million jobs across Senegal.

DP World has also expanded its logistics footprint through the acquisition of Imperial Logistics and Africa FMCG Distribution in Nigeria. The company is now active in healthcare logistics and consumer goods, providing cold chain services and distributing essential supplies.

Across all these projects, DP World aims to strengthen trade, improve efficiency, and support long-term economic development in the region.

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