Florham Park, New Jersey – In a groundbreaking move aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and e-commerce titan Amazon have solidified their partnership with a comprehensive agreement slated for 2023-2024. This deal, which centers around the transportation of 20,000 FFE (forty-foot equivalent) containers, hinges on the utilization of environmentally friendly biofuels within Maersk’s innovative “ECO Delivery” ocean product offering.
Maersk’s ambitious endeavor is projected to yield an impressive reduction of approximately 44,600 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions when compared to conventional bunker fuel usage. To put this into perspective, this reduction is roughly equivalent to preventing the combustion of a staggering 50 million pounds of coal. Remarkably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that Amazon and Maersk have opted for container shipping powered by low-GHG fuel alternatives.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Maersk, a Climate Pledge signatory and leader in shipping logistics, on actionable solutions to decarbonize maritime shipping,” declared Adam Baker, Vice President of Global Transportation at Amazon. “We’re excited to have containers on Maersk’s first methanol-enabled feeder vessel and to continue using their biofuel.”
Maersk’s ECO Delivery biofuel option doesn’t merely promise emission reductions; it delivers immediate and externally verified GHG savings for customers, eliminating the need for compensatory measures such as carbon offsetting. This year, Amazon is set to benefit from an enhanced feature of the ECO Delivery product, incorporating green methanol alongside biodiesel as a second green fuel within the vessel fleet. Furthermore, this innovative model employs primary data for fuel consumption, offering precise reporting of emissions savings, encompassing other greenhouse gases beyond CO2. Importantly, it provides price certainty and stability, decoupling itself from the volatility of the fossil fuel market.
Narin Phol, President of North America at A.P. Moller – Maersk, lauded Amazon’s unwavering commitment to sustainable shipping, emphasizing their shared goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2040. Both companies have pledged to The Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Global Optimism and Amazon, boasting over 400 companies across 38 countries united in the pursuit of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Signatories commit to regular GHG emissions reporting, the implementation of decarbonization strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement, and the neutralization of any remaining emissions through credible offsets.
Maersk’s definition of “green fuels”
“Green Fuels” encompasses fuels with exceptionally low GHG emissions throughout their lifecycle compared to traditional fossil fuels. The sustainability of Maersk’s green fuels and its supply chain is meticulously verified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), while the emissions accounting methodology adheres to the standards set by the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) and is certified by the Smart Freight Center. Maersk’s ECO Delivery shipments undergo automated performance tracking, with corresponding CO2e saving certificates issued. The process is audited by PwC in accordance with the International Standard of Assurance Engagements 3410 (ISAE 3410 – Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas Statements), ensuring transparency and accountability in the pursuit of reducing emissions through the Maersk ECO Delivery agreement.
For more information about Amazon and Maersk’s steadfast commitment to a sustainable future, visit the “Sustainability at A.P. Moller – Maersk” and “Sustainability at Amazon” web pages.
Source: Maersk
