DP World launches EcoRoute to cut supply chain emissions with rail-coastal shipping

UAE – DP World has launched EcoRoute, designed to help businesses optimize logistics performance and reduce emissions through network redesign, lower-carbon transport options, emissions-visibility tools, and sustainability partnerships.

To begin with, freight and logistics account for approximately 10% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

As a result, the initiative comes at a time when regulators, investors, and customers increasingly demand more sustainable and resilient supply chains.

EcoRoute is built around four key pillars: supply chain network optimization, lower-carbon logistics solutions, carbon insetting programmes, and emissions measurement.

Beat Simon, DP World Group Chief Operating Officer, Logistics, said: “At DP World, we believe a well-connected supply chain is a more sustainable one. EcoRoute helps customers reduce emissions while improving efficiency and resilience by combining connectivity, data and operational expertise across our global network.”

Africa and India Success Stories

One of the programme’s early examples comes from Africa, where DP World’s centralized Logistics Control Tower solution helped a major retailer increase transported volumes by 45% while increasing fleet size by only 5%.

The project improved vehicle utilization to 88%, enhancing operational efficiency and supply chain resilience.

In India, DP World said it helped a customer reduce transport emissions by 78% on the Chennai–Kolkata corridor through a multimodal rail-to-coastal shipping solution. The company noted that the shift also improved reliability and reduced logistics costs.

Carbon Insetting and Emissions Measurement

The programme also incorporates carbon insetting initiatives to help customers reduce Scope 3 emissions within their own supply chains.

DP World said its carbon insetting programmes at Southampton and London Gateway generated more than 9,400 tonnes of verified CO₂ insetting across 257,000 TEU of cargo during 2025.

To support emissions transparency, EcoRoute includes a Carbon Emissions Calculator powered by EcoTransIT World and aligned with ISO 14083 standards.

Direct Statement from Sustainability Leadership

Ayla Bajwa, DP World Group Senior Vice President, Sustainability, added: “EcoRoute is about turning ambition into action. It gives our customers the tools, insights and partnerships needed to reduce emissions across complex supply chains, while also delivering broader environmental and social impact. By connecting sustainability with real operational change, we are helping businesses build supply chains that are fit for the future.“

Lastly, DP World said EcoRoute will also involve collaboration with customers and strategic partners to link lower-carbon supply chains with broader environmental and social initiatives.

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