Pioneering a Greener Future: DP World and IRENA Partner to Decarbonize Global Trade

DP World and IRENA are Leading the Charge to Decarbonize Ports, Maritime and Logistics Sectors
Dec 19, 2023 9:00 AM ET

In a significant move towards a more sustainable future, DP World and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) are joining forces to accelerate the use of renewable energy and decarbonize the ports, maritime, and logistics sectors. 

IRENA is an intergovernmental agency that promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Under the terms of a new cooperation agreement, the two organizations will pool their expertise to identify and implement decarbonization solutions across the sector, leveraging DP World's extensive network and influence to foster sustainable practices globally.

This partnership isn't just about making a statement; it's a commitment to address pressing environmental concerns while also setting a new standard for the industry.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be understated. The maritime sector is one of the most challenging industries to decarbonize. But DP World is making significant strides, employing smart electrification and other innovative approaches to shift towards renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. 

This groundbreaking collaboration is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

The Future of the Supply Chain: Resilience and Sustainability

The future of trade by embedding resilience and sustainability at every stage of the supply chain. DP World’s participation is not just about reducing emissions within their operations; it’s about influencing the entire industry to adopt sustainable practices. This vision aligns with IRENA's mission of promoting the widespread adoption of renewable energy for sustainable development, energy security, and low-carbon economic growth.

DP World's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 and net zero by 2050 underlines their dedication to this cause. At COP 27 last year, the company announced that it had joined the Green Shipping Challenge and committed to investing up to $500 million to cut CO2 emissions by nearly 700,000 tons over the next five years. 

DP World's journey towards sustainability is already yielding results. In 2022, global carbon emissions were down 5%, with a 4% reduction in energy consumption. This is partly due to their efforts in electrifying operations and pioneering the use of low-carbon fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Their UAE operations have notably achieved a nearly 50% reduction in carbon emissions; the Jebel Ali port is now running on 100% renewable energy provided by the local utility.

This partnership between DP World and IRENA is more than just a collaboration; it's a roadmap for others in the industry. By leading with innovative solutions, such as electrification, low-carbon fuel use, and synthetic natural gas, DP World is demonstrating that sustainability and efficient global trade can go hand-in-hand. Their efforts serve as a model for other industry players, proving that with commitment and collaboration, a greener, more sustainable future for global trade is within reach.

For more information on DP World's sustainability strategy and their transformative journey, visit DP World's Sustainability Page.