DB Schenker announced that it has signed a purchase contract for over 2,500 tons of biofuel with CMA CGM — becoming the first logistics company to switch its entire LCL (Less Than Container Load) volumes with CMA CGM to regular carbon-free production. 

In a statement, the logistics company said 2,500 tons is more than required to transport all LCL.

"DB Schenker will be able to reach net carbon zero-emission on a well-to-wake basis on the LCL segment, thanks to this overallocation," it added, noting that by joining forces to offer green container transport, which immediately reduces the environmental footprint of maritime transport, both companies make a significant step towards decarbonizing ocean freight.

DB Schenker said its customers can book the carbon-zero LCL option with immediate effect and receive a certificate of the emission reduction for their climate balance sheet.

"The cooperation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7,000 tons CO2e well-to-wake, which corresponds with at least 100% of the WTW emissions of the LCL containers handled with CMA CGM, making it one of the most significant deals in ocean freight logistics," it added.

Thorsten Meincke, global  board member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, said the company is looking forward to making a "significant investment in reducing the CO2 footprint in container sea freight."

"Running on biofuel marks another important step towards greener supply chains and pays into our overall sustainability agenda in ocean freight. Our goal is to become a sustainability leader of the logistics industry and net carbon-zero by 2040, and we are ambitiously taking the lead here with CMA CGM," Meincke said.

Biofuel use

Olivier Nivoix, executive vice president, Lines, CMA CGM Group said the CMA CGM group has pledged that alternative fuels will cover at least 10% of its consumption by 2023.

"We already offer our customers a range of turnkey solutions to tackle their carbon footprint. Biofuel is one of the solutions to decarbonize shipping ... CMA CGM continues to invest heavily in research and development alongside its industrial partners to identify the energy sources of the future," Nivoix said.

DB Schenker noted that biofuel can integrate into regular operations without infrastructure or supply chain adjustments; it is practical and suitable for everyday use. Biofuel is produced from waste materials, such as used cooking oils.