A.P. Moller – Maersk has accelerated targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2040, instead of 2050 which was the initial ambition, while associated 2030 targets are expected to provide green offerings and emissions reductions already in this decade.
The new targets are expected to align the company with the Net Zero criteria of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathway, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The targets are also following previous efforts to reduce emissions related to the ocean fleet, as they cover all direct and indirect emissions across the entire Maersk business.
“As a global provider of end-to-end logistics services across all transport modes, it is a strategic imperative for Maersk to extend our net-zero ambition to the total footprint of the business,” stated Soren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
“These very ambitious targets mark our commitment to society and to the many customers who call for net-zero supply chains,” added Skou.
To maximise progress towards net zero supply chains in 2040, ambitious 2030 targets for a range of green product offerings are introduced, adding to solutions including Maersk’s Emissions Dashboard and Maersk ECO Delivery.
They aim to reinforce Maersk as a provider of green supply chain solutions, covering ocean, air, contract logistics (warehouses and depots) and cold chain businesses, where green technologies and solutions will be utilised.
In particular, the 2030 targets include a 50% reduction in emissions per transported container in the Maersk ocean fleet and a 70% reduction in absolute emissions from fully controlled terminals, according to a company’s statement.
Depending on growth in the ocean business, this is anticipated to lead to absolute emissions reductions between 35% and 50% from a 2020 baseline.
As recommended by SBTi, over the decade Maersk will go above and beyond the 1.5°C-aligned targets and invest in building a portfolio of natural climate solutions that will result in around five million tons of CO2 savings per year by 2030.
“Our updated targets and accelerated timelines reflect a very challenging, yet viable pathway to net-zero which is driven by advances in technology and solutions,” noted Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of fleet & strategic brands at A.P. Moller – Maersk.
