PIL and PSA collaborate in low-carbon end-to-end shipment trial

PSA Singapore and Pacific International Lines have successfully trialed a low-carbon end-to-end shipment, furthering efforts to decarbonise supply chain transportation.

The pilot trial involved transporting containers from Singapore to Chongqing, China, using green levers to create a sustainable end-to-end supply chain ecosystem.

A PIL vessel, Kota Ratna, transported the containers using a biofuel blend, abating 100 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of planting 4000 trees, and reducing emissions from greenhouse gasses by 84%, according to PIL.

PSA utilised container barging, a greener mode of transportation compared to trucking, to haul cargo between Jurong Island and Pasir Panjang terminals in Singapore for onward shipment towards Chongqing.

The trial was a joint effort by PSA and PIL and is part of the memorandum of understanding signed by both companies in October 2023, in order to collaborate on green and sustainable solutions to decarbonise supply chains.

With data on carbon emissions obtained from the trial, PIL believes they are now better equipped to assess how they can further lower carbon emissions from vessel operations, not only for its existing fleet but also its eight new LNG dual-fuel container vessels scheduled for delivery from late 2024 onwards.

Philbert Chua, managing director PSA said, “The successful completion of this green pilot project with PIL is an important step forward for the maritime and supply chain sector. Combating climate change is one of our urgent priorities and PSA is committed to work with like-minded partners to put these words into action.”

Abhishek Chawla, chief marine officer PIL said, “With sustainability at the core of PIL’s operations, we are happy to join forces with PSA as we take concrete action to drive a sustainable future. The valuable insights obtained from this trial will empower PIL to further reduce our vessel emissions in the future, as part of our goal of achieving net zero by 2050.” 

The trial’s eco-friendly efforts were said to be the equivalent of planting one tree for every laden container moved across the chain.