Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel have taken a joint first step in sustainable maritime transport by formalizing their first collaboration on ocean freight solutions with reduced emissions using sustainable marine fuels (SMF, by its acronym in English). Under this agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will use Hapag-Lloyd's "Ship Green" product to reduce the carbon footprint of their maritime shipments.
The agreement covers the period from April to December 2026 and encompasses approximately 3,300 TEUs of cargo transported on the trade route between East Asia and Northern Europe. By using certified biofuels from residual sources, the initiative aims to avoid around 2,979 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions on a well-to-wake basis, that is, considering the complete cycle from fuel production to combustion on board. About 1,000 tons of sustainable marine fuel from residual sources compliant with the European RED III directive will be used.
"We are proud to take our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel to the next level," said Danny Smolders, Global Sales Director of Hapag-Lloyd. "With Ship Green, we offer a scalable solution that allows our clients to actively reduce their Scope 3 emissions right now. This agreement shows how strong alliances can translate into tangible climate impact."
For his part, Paolo Montrone, head of Global Sea Logistics Trade at Kuehne+Nagel, added: "Decarbonizing maritime transport requires transparency, collaboration, and commercially viable solutions. Through strong partnerships, making emissions data transparent, and facilitating Scope 3 reductions, we help clients advance in a credible market-based manner, designed to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels."
