A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) and Amazon have finalized a 2023-2024 agreement for the transport of 20,000 FFE containers using green biofuel through Maersk's "ECO Delivery" ocean product offering. 

Maersk said in a statement that it estimates this purchase will contribute to a reduction in 44,600 metric tons of CO2e vs. standard bunker fuel, roughly equivalent to 50 million pounds of coal burned. 

This is the fourth consecutive year that Amazon and Maersk have arranged container shipping using low-GHG fuel options.

"We're proud to collaborate with Maersk, a Climate Pledge signatory and leader in shipping logistics, on actionable solutions to decarbonize maritime shipping," said Adam Baker, vice president of Global Transportation at Amazon.

"We're excited to have containers on Maersk's first methanol-enabled feeder vessel and to continue using their biofuel," he added.

Maersk said the "ECO Delivery" biofuel option offers emission reductions that enable immediate and externally verified GHG savings for customers without compensatory measures like offsetting.

This year, Amazon will benefit from a new feature of the ECO Delivery product, which will be enabled by also using green methanol in addition to biodiesel as a second green fuel* in the vessel fleet.

"ECO Delivery" uses primary data for fuel consumption in the methodology to report emissions savings with greater precision, inclusive of other greenhouse gases in addition to CO₂.

The new model also provides price certainty and stability and is de-linked from the fossil fuel market.

"Amazon's record of securing sustainable shipping over the years, no matter the business climate, is a testament to its contributions to building a better future. We share a common goal with Amazon to reduce our total GHG emissions to net zero by 2040. As cosigners of the Climate Pledge, we must constantly create new opportunities to make this a decade of action," said Narin Phol, president of North America, A.P. Moller-Mersk.

He added that decarbonizing shipping is one significant step that is to be combined with many others to protect our future.

Co-founded by Global Optimism and Amazon, the Climate Pledge is powered by over 400 companies in 38 countries around the globe. The pledge is a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Signatories agree to 1.) Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis; 2.) Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement, and 3.) Neutralize any remaining emissions with credible offsets.