ContainersEnvironmentPorts and Logistics

MSC forges biofuels deal with DB Schenker

Swiss-based liner Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) and freight forwarder DB Schenker, a division of German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, have sealed a deal that aims to slash carbon emissions by using second-generation biofuels.

The arrangement covers 12,000 tonnes of biofuel component for all of DB Schenker’s consolidated cargo, LCL (less-than-container load), FCL (full-container-load) and reefer containers from MSC.

DB Schenker said the amount of biofuel, derived from used cooking oil, is enough to save an additional 35,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents along the entire production chain, adding that the purchase agreement “represents one of the largest carbon-insetting biofuel deals between a freight forwarder and a shipping company.”

The equivalent of around 30,000 teu may be shipped with net-zero CO2 emissions, depending on how the fuel is used, DB Schenker noted. The biofuel component will be blended between 20% and 30%, resulting in approximately 50,000 tonnes of blended biofuel to be used in MSC’s containerships.

Thorsten Meincke, global board member for air and ocean freight at DB Schenker, said: “We are doing this because we firmly believe it is the right thing to do and are therefore paying for biofuel purchases in advance. One thing is certain: the more customers demand climate neutrality throughout supply chains, the faster we achieve clean container ocean freight.”

Caroline Becquart, senior vice president of MSC, added: “Decarbonizing ocean freight cannot be achieved by a single player and requires collaboration between shipping and logistics companies and their customers. MSC Biofuel Solution is our first certified carbon insetting program that reduces emissions in our customers’ supply chains, accelerating the energy transition by creating demand for net-zero-carbon shipping and delivering direct CO2 savings.”

Adis Ajdin

Adis is an experienced news reporter with a background in finance, media and education. He has written across the spectrum of offshore energy and ocean industries for many years and is a member of International Federation of Journalists. Previously he had written for Navingo media group titles including Offshore Energy, Subsea World News and Marine Energy.
Back to top button