Hapag-Lloyd and DHL Global Forwarding have signed a three-year framework agreement to accelerate the decarbonization of global supply chains through the use of sustainable marine fuels in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet.
Under the deal, DHL will purchase Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions generated by Hapag-Lloyd’s “Ship Green” program. The first order, executed in July 2025, covered 25,000 tons CO₂e well-to-wake (WTW) emission avoidance using second-generation biofuels made from waste and residue feedstocks.
Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd, said:
“We are delighted to have completed this order with DHL, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of using sustainable marine fuels to reduce Scope 3 emissions through our Ship Green product. Partnering with DHL shows how powerful collaboration can be. Together, we are creating real momentum in further decarbonizing supply chains, one bold step at a time.”
Casper Ellerbaek, Head of Global Ocean Freight at DHL Global Forwarding, added:
“The signing of this three-year framework agreement marks a crucial step toward realizing our shared vision of a decarbonized shipping industry. 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 collaboration is based on the book and claim mechanism, which enables customers to claim Scope 3 emission reductions separately from the physical use of fuel. This approach allows earlier climate action in shipping, even while the global supply of sustainable marine fuels remains limited and costly.
Both companies have ambitious climate targets: Hapag-Lloyd aims for net-zero fleet emissions by 2045, while DHL targets net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hapag-Lloyd has been using second-generation biofuels since 2020 and, since 2023, has allowed customers to claim the associated emission avoidance through its Ship Green product. DHL’s GoGreen Plus offerings use sustainable fuels and low-carbon technologies to help customers cut indirect emissions and improve GHG reporting accuracy.
Together, the two logistics leaders are setting a precedent for collaboration in low-carbon shipping, helping pave the way for a more sustainable global supply chain.
