Maersk hits emissions target eight years ahead of schedule

Maersk Line has hit its 2020 target of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% from its benchmark 2007 levels eight years ahead of schedule. "And to keep up the momentum we're raising the target to a 40% reduction in CO2 by 2020," says Morten Engelstoft, chief operating officer, Maersk Line. "By cutting our CO2 we've also lowered the CO2 emissions of our customers, thereby helping them meet their own CO2 targets," says Engelstoft."Benchmarking data makes it possible for all customers to compare their shipping suppliers based on CO2 performance. Maersk Line experts help customers implement such benchmarking schemes to make CO2 part of the buying decision." According to the line, there is an increased environmental awareness among customers. It is estimated that shipping carries 90% of globally traded goods. "While shipping is by far the most energy efficient way to transport cargo long distances, the contribution of CO2 to the atmosphere is 3-4% of the global annual total," he said. Maersk Line reached its target through a combination of operational efficiency, network and voyage optimisation, slow steaming and technical innovation. "We will hit the 40% target with more of the same," he said."Other important factors will be the continued cooperation with our vessel leasing partners to retrofit their ships, and the arrival this year and next of the Triple-E vessels, which will be the largest and most energy efficient ships on the water."