DP World has announced and introduced a carbon inset scheme at its Southampton container terminal. The scheme is designed to enable customers to attribute emissions reductions from port operations to their own supply chain targets. The global port and shipping logistics operator says this is the first time such a system has been applied directly to a port environment. By utilising Container Terminal Inset Certificates, cargo owners can now account for carbon savings generated through the terminal’s use of biofuels and electrification to lower their Scope 3 carbon emissions.
The certificates are integrated into DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme, which was originally established in January 2025 in partnership with specialists 123Carbon. This project has already processed over 250,000 TEU of cargo and delivered more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2e savings. DP World has recognised its success, and the programme has been extended through to December this year.
Verifying emissions reductions
The scheme utilises real-world operational improvements at Southampton, such as the adoption of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil and terminal-wide electrification, to create uniquely allocated certificates. “At DP World, we believe decarbonising global supply chains requires practical solutions that deliver measurable impact today,” said John Trenchard, Vice President – Sustainable International Supply Chains, Europe at DP World. “This scheme will turn real emissions reductions at Southampton into verified savings our customers can count towards their Scope 3 targets.”
Trenchard further highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative. “By working with partners like Bureau Veritas and 123Carbon, we’re scaling a model that recognises the critical role ports play in driving lower-carbon logistics across road, rail and sea,” he said. The certificates are automatically applied to qualifying cargo moving through the terminal from 1 April 2026, as part of a 250kg CO2e allocation for participating customers.
Establishing new standards
The scheme effectively helps share carbon reductions within port boundaries with cargo owners. “The development of such a standard together with industry leaders as DP World is necessary to ensure companies can safely and securely reduce transport-related emissions from origin to destination, regardless of transport type and including container handling at ports,” said Jeroen van Heiningen, Chief Executive Officer of Dutch headquartered 123Carbon.
The framework allows for a secure and transparent transfer of environmental benefits across the maritime supply chain. Van Heiningen noted that this project represents a new standard on how carbon reductions realised in port operations can be shared with owners. The programme is funded through the Energy Transition Contribution applied to all import-laden containers via DP World UK ports. This provides users with carbon credits to address residual emissions for container ships, tug boats and terminal operations.
Local infrastructure and transition
Beyond the carbon insetting scheme, DP World is investing in local infrastructure at Southampton to support the broader transition to electric transport. New electric vehicle charging stations and amenity facilities for truck drivers have recently been installed at the terminal. While primarily intended for port operations and vehicles on official port business, DP World has made these facilities available to commercial drivers passing by the port. This move aims to encourage the regional adoption of electric heavy-goods vehicles.
The initiative also addresses urban challenges, as Southampton is a city-centre port facing significant traffic pressures. By providing dedicated amenities and charging points, DP World hopes to help reduce traffic on surrounding streets and improve the driver experience. This holistic approach complements the company’s global sustainability strategy. The company also has a long-standing commitment to encouraging the uptake of rail logistics, and continues to pay a bounty to hauliers who choose to move containers out of the terminal by rail.