Maersk sets 20% emission reduction target

For some time green initiatives have rated high for the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group which reduced its emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases by 6.9% in 2009 compared to the year before, according to the Group’s sustainability report. “This report signals our continued efforts to be more accountable and transparent,” says Annette Stube, head of sustainability for the Group. The company’s environmental strategy is based on energy efficiency in all its business activities. “Maersk Line has set an ambitious goal of a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions per container transported by 2017,” says Stube. Based on the premise that sustainable development is essential for society and business to thrive and grow, the line is committed to integrating sustainability into all its business operations and making its performance transparent to its stakeholders, she added. “Continual technological innovation further increases Maersk Line’s ability to reach its CO2 reduction targets. It is aggressively pursuing technical solutions including waste heat recovery systems, which are standard on all its new ships (reducing CO2 emissions by 10%). Two other examples are optimised hull designs (resulting in almost 8% reduction in CO2 emissions) and auto-tuning of its main engines. “Many other innovative solutions are being investigated and tested ranging from the use of alternative energy sources such as biofuels to new types of hull paint, optimised propellers, air lubrication, fuel switches and new voyage planning systems.