UK Ports Giant DP World Expands World-First Carbon Inset Scheme, Boosting Credits Fivefold

Image Credit: Svitzer

DP World is set to multiply the credits it offers through its world-first Carbon Inset Programme trial, providing businesses with a powerful way to reduce their indirect Scope 3 emissions. The scheme, which has already drawn strong interest since its launch earlier this year, is now expanding with a fivefold boost in available credits.

Since January, more than 200,000 TEUs have been registered under the programme. Starting from 1 October 2025, every loaded container imported through DP World’s UK ports will receive Carbon Offset credits equivalent to 250 kilograms of CO2e. This represents a significant increase from the 50 kilograms of credits previously awarded.

The new allocation covers emissions associated with the full port call of container ships as they enter London Gateway or Southampton, extending to the “last nautical mile.” This includes the emissions produced by pilot and tug boats. The increase has been made possible by a shift to lower-carbon fuels, introduced gradually across DP World’s subsidiary Unifeeder in its Northern European shipping routes, and by Svitzer, which is transitioning its tugboats in the UK to the same fuels under a pioneering partnership.

Importers who are already part of the trial will automatically benefit from the higher credit allowance. For those not yet involved, registration remains open through the DP World Carbon Inset Programme Trial.

“The strong interest in our Carbon Inset Programme since its launch in January shows that our customers are looking for practical, tangible ways to decarbonise their supply chains,” noted John Trenchard, vice president for sustainable international supply chains at DP World.

“Expanding the programme allows more cargo owners to immediately benefit from emissions reductions within their logistics operations. At DP World, we’re making more sustainable trade flow through pioneering initiatives, such as using lower carbon fuels, smarter logistics, and seamless port operations, which together deliver sustainability and competitiveness side by side.”

Ekaterina Riegels Hjorth, head of decarbonisation at Svitzer, added: “We’re proud to team up with DP World to expand the Carbon Inset Programme to the ‘last nautical mile’. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when partners across the port ecosystem unite around a shared ambition to deliver real, scalable emissions reductions.”

This initiative builds on DP World’s growing reputation for leadership in sustainability. Its Modal Shift and Carbon Inset Programmes, combined with the introduction of lower-carbon solutions at both London Gateway and Southampton, have recently earned the company the title of Sustainability Company of the Year at the 2025 Multimodal Awards. Looking ahead, DP World is also advancing plans to make Southampton the first container terminal in the UK to operate at net zero.