The partnership centers on the use of sustainable marine fuels across Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet, with the first order, quivalent to 25,000 tons of CO₂e emission reductions, successfully completed in July 2025.
The biofuels used are second-generation alternatives produced from waste and residue feedstock, underscoring both companies’ commitment to lowering shipping-related emissions.
“The signing of this three-year framework agreement marks a crucial step toward realizing our shared vision of a decarbonised shipping industry,” said Casper Ellerbaek, Head of Global Ocean Freight at DHL Global Forwarding. “We are thrilled to partner with Hapag-Lloyd in driving the adoption of sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim mechanism, ultimately empowering our customers to achieve their climate goals.”
The agreement highlights the growing role of the “book and claim” system, which allows customers to claim emission reductions separately from the physical use of the fuel. This approach makes sustainable marine fuels more accessible to businesses despite global supply limitations and higher costs.
Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet emissions by 2045, while DHL has set a target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Both companies are leveraging innovative products to help customers reduce their environmental footprint.
DHL’s GoGreen Plus initiative offers decarbonised solutions across its core services, while Hapag-Lloyd’s Ship Green program allows customers to benefit from reduced-emission ocean transport through biofuel blends.
By working together, DHL and Hapag-Lloyd are accelerating the shipping industry’s transition to a more sustainable future.
