GERMANY’S Hapag-Lloyd and Sweden’s IKEA Supply Chain Operations have struck an agreement to decarbonise the carrier’s container shipments from Asia, marking an important step towards a more sustainable maritime industry, the companies say.
For the period March 2024 to February 2025, the companies have agreed to use Hapag-Lloyd’s highest product option for biofuels “Ship Green 100”, which relies on waste- and residue-based biofuel instead of conventional marine fuel oil. The expected result for IKEA during this period is a CO2 emission reduction of around 100,000 tonnes.
“IKEA stands as one of our valued customers, known for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. By joining forces, we are reducing CO2e emissions significantly,” Danny Smolders, Hapag-Lloyd’s MD global sales, said. “Ship Green is an important aspect of our decarbonisation journey and brings us one step closer to our goal of net-zero fleet operations by 2045.”
The IKEA goal is to reduce the relative GHG emissions from their product transportation by 70% by 2030 and to only use zero emission heavy duty vehicles and ocean vessels by 2040.
“It’s through efforts like this one that we can reduce immediate emissions from ocean shipping in the short-term,” Dariusz Mroczek, Category Area Transport Manager, IKEA Supply Chain Operations,said. “However, biofuel is not the ultimate solution and we need to continue to collaborate to make the necessary shift toward zero emission fuels and technologies.”
The companies said the partnership represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry, where collaboration and innovation intersect to create a greener, more sustainable future for global shipping: “Both Hapag-Lloyd and IKEA are committed to leading the way in environmentally conscious practices, setting a benchmark for the industry.”
Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Ship Green product to offer its customers emission-reduced ocean transports. Based on biofuel, Hapag-Lloyd’s customers can choose between 100%, 50% or 25% CO2e emission avoidance. Ship Green is available for all shipments, including standard, reefer, hardtop, or tank equipment.
