Sustainability is the new shipping industry driver

In the shipping industry sustainability is fast becoming the business driver leading vessel liners into the future. “It is not just about making profit any more but building a sustainable business while doing it,” says Jonathan Horn, managing director southern Africa for Maersk Line. And nowhere is it clearer than on the Lars Maersk that recently docked in Cape Town. “Sustainability is at the heart of all our daily operations,” explained Captain Christian Hegart. “From making sure that we are not using too much fuel, to monitoring our emissions; it is something that has become part of the way that we do business.” It is an approach that has paid off, with the company having already reached its 25% CO2 reduction per container (TEU) in 2012, eight years ahead of schedule. Maersk Line has now recalibrated the target and set it at a 40% CO2 reduction for 2020. According to Horn, managing consumption and ensuring sustainability at the same time impacts on the company’s profitability. “Ultimately it means that setting a target to reduce its CO2 emissions means the company is ensuring financial success.” INSERT 25% The CO2 reduction per TEU achieved by Maersk in 2012 INSERT & CAPTION It is not just about making profit any more but building a sustainable business while doing it. – Jonathan Horn