Maersk has set a more ambitious target for the entire A.P. Moller - Maersk business to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2040 – one decade ahead of its initial 2050 plan.

It also laid plans for 2030 which it said will ensure industry-leading green offerings and significant emissions reductions already in this decade.

"A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) announces new aspiring emissions targets expected to align the company with the Net Zero criteria of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathway to limit global warming to 1.5°C," the shipping giant said, adding that this include a societal commitment to act now and drive material impact in this decade.

"[It also includes] a commitment to deliver net zero supply chains to customers by 2040," it added, noting that the targets go beyond previous efforts to reduce emissions related to the ocean fleet as they cover all direct and indirect emissions across the entire Maersk business.

"As a global provider of end-to-end logistics services across all transport modes, it is a strategic imperative for Maersk to extend our net zero ambition to the total footprint of the business," says Soren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk.

"The science is clear, we must act now to deliver significant progress in this decade. These very ambitious targets mark our commitment to society and to the many customers who call for net zero supply chains."

2030 targets 

Maersk said tangible near-term targets for 2030 include a 50% reduction in emissions per transported container in the Maersk Ocean fleet and a 70% reduction in absolute emissions from fully controlled terminals.

Depending on growth in the ocean business, this will lead to absolute emissions reductions between 35% and 50% from a 2020 baseline.

"Our updated targets and accelerated timelines reflect a very challenging, yet viable pathway to net zero which is driven by advances in technology and solutions. What is needed is a rapid scale-up which we will strive to achieve in close collaboration with customers and suppliers across the entire supply chain," said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Fleet & Strategic Brands, A.P. Moller - Maersk.

As recommended by SBTi, over the decade Maersk will go above and beyond the 1.5°C-aligned targets and invest in building a portfolio of natural climate solutions that will result in around five million tons of CO2 savings per year by 2030.

To maximise progress towards net zero supply chains in 2040, ambitious 2030 targets for a range of green product offerings are introduced, Maersk said, adding to solutions including Maersk’s Emissions Dashboard and Maersk ECO Delivery.

Maersk noted that these products will utilise green technologies and solutions to ensure that they provide real emission reductions within the supply chain.

"Covering indirect emissions means the targets also address emissions from e.g., inland transport services and vessel building which are provided by third party suppliers," the shipping line said.