Feature, Freight News, Sea

Hapag-Lloyd, DSV Expand Decarbonization Pact

[ February 25, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

Hapag-Lloyd and DSV have signed a two-year agreement covering 18,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO2e, emission reductions as the companies expand their decarbonization partnership in ocean freight.

The companies said the framework agreement, to begin in 2026, covers the purchase of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emission reductions generated through the use of sustainable marine fuels in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet.

Under the deal, DSV has contracted 18,000 tonnes of CO2e emission reductions on a well-to-wake basis, which accounts for emissions across the full fuel lifecycle. The reductions will be achieved primarily through second-generation biofuels produced from waste- and residue-based feedstocks.

The companies described the agreement as the first of its kind to allow the inclusion of alternative sustainable fuels beyond second-generation biofuels, providing flexibility as additional fuel options become commercially available.

The expanded partnership builds on cooperation launched in 2022, when the two companies began working together on sustainable marine biofuels.

Danny Smolders, managing director of global sales at Hapag-Lloyd, said the agreement demonstrates how ocean carriers and freight forwarders can work together to scale lower-emission shipping solutions and advance supply chain decarbonization.

Michael Hollstein, head of ocean product at DSV, said sustainable marine fuels represent a tangible and scalable way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help customers cut emissions in their supply chains.

The agreement uses a book-and-claim chain-of-custody system, allowing DSV and its customers to claim verified emission reductions regardless of the specific vessels or trade lanes where the fuel is used. Only emissions avoidance from biofuel already consumed in Hapag-Lloyd’s owned and operated fleet will be allocated under the contract.

Hapag-Lloyd has set a target of net-zero fleet operations by 2045. DSV has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2050.

Hapag-Lloyd has used second-generation biofuels for several years and in 2024 added biomethane to its portfolio of sustainable fuel options. Through its Ship Green program, the carrier offers customers verified emission reductions by substituting sustainable marine fuels for conventional fossil marine fuel oil.

The companies said broader adoption of biofuels, currently the most readily available scalable option in ocean shipping, will be key to accelerating the industry’s transition toward lower-emission transport.

Tags: DSV, Hapag-Lloyd