Decarbonising port terminals

Maersk’s network of port terminals connects our ocean and landside activities, making it a core focus area in our end-to-end decarbonisation strategy. With ambitious targets, we aim to lead the race to net zero in the port terminal industry.

Sustainability Report 2023

Why net zero port terminals matter

Our network of owned and operated terminals provides vital links between our land and ocean operations. Port terminals are also a focal point for local businesses, bringing economic and development benefits to the communities we serve.

But port terminals are also a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the generation of purchased electricity. Our near-term focus is to double down on switching to renewable electricity from onsite and offsite solutions.

Our ambition

We will deliver an emergency response to the climate crisis and take leadership in the transformation of the transport and logistics sector to net zero operations.

Climate change

Our targets

~70%
Absolute reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 (2020 baseline) 

Highlights in 2023

13%
Reduction in Terminals absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020
40%
Electricity procured by renewable resources across our Terminals

Priorities and actions

Decarbonisation is embedded in the core strategy for our terminal business, and we have an ambitious plan to decarbonise based on both ongoing and new activities. Solutions have been identified to reduce or eliminate a substantial share of our controlled emissions from terminals through the application of available and proven technologies.
Common development and innovations implementation

Optimising energy consumption

We continue to optimise our terminals’ energy use to reduce our fuel and electricity consumption. We are working to improve electricity sourcing and to convert, where possible, to renewable energy supplies.

Transitioning to green energy sources

Our Low Carbon Logistics programme is rolling out across our terminals to reduce emissions at source. It replaces fossil based energy with renewable electricity and fuels made from recycled waste. We are also investing in solar energy at terminals where we cannot buy renewable electricity.

Eco delivery

Commercialising our decarbonisation solutions

Decarbonisation has the potential to be commercialised as a premium product to our most ambitious customers. We are investigating options to include our work towards net zero in bids for new ports.

Featured highlights and case stories

Electrifying terminal container handling equipment

In 2023, APM Terminals and DP World published a joint white paper emphasising the importance of electrified container handling equipment, that offers a roadmap for container terminal electrification, with key levers and actions for all players across the value chain.

The companies also announced the formation of the Zero Emission Port Alliance during COP28 – an industry-wide strategic coalition with the goal of accelerating container handling equipment electrification.

Read more
Vessels at terminals

Powering Terminals with sustainable energy

One of the key initiatives driving APM Terminal's emission reductions is the implementation of dedicated green tariffs in European terminals, Elizabeth (USA) and Callao (Peru), as well as a virtual power purchase agreement covering 40% of electricity in Pipavav (India).

In addition, APM Terminals is switching from diesel to renewable diesel in Los Angeles (USA), installing on-site solar in Pipavav (India), Aqaba (Jordan) and Barcelona (Spain), and implementing energy optimisation initiatives at 12 terminals to reduce fuel and electricity use.

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Sustainability Report 2023

Explore our progress on environmental, social and governance dimensions in our latest Sustainability Report.
Sustainability Report 2023

Explore more Environment topics

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Climate change

Learn more about the actions we are taking to support our customers’ decarbonisation journeys, and our societal commitment to reach net zero as fast as possible.
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Decarbonising oceans

Learn more about our investment and progress on green fuels and green methanol-enabled vessels towards climate neutral shipping.
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Responsible ship recycling

Find out how we are taking the lead to build capacity and drive better practices to make responsible vessel recycling the norm.
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Decarbonising logistics and services

We plan to serve all our customers with industry leading green offerings across global supply chains by 2030. Follow our progress.
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Environment and ecosystems

See how we actively participate in restoring ocean and land health and resilience, as well as protecting animal habitats where we operate.

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Learn more about A.P. Moller - Maersk, our values, leadership, our history and more.
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