In a significant step toward greener global logistics, DHL Global Forwarding and Hapag-Lloyd have signed a three-year framework agreement focused on cutting Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the use of sustainable marine fuels.

The partnership, which marks a major milestone in the companies’ shared decarbonization strategies, has already resulted in a 25,000-ton CO₂e well-to-wake (WTW) emissions reduction, achieved in July 2025. This was made possible through the use of second-generation biofuels derived from waste and residue feedstocks.

The agreement is underpinned by the “book and claim” system, a chain of custody model that enables customers to claim emissions reductions even if the actual sustainable fuel is not used on their specific shipment. This method is gaining traction as a scalable solution to decarbonize shipping, especially in light of limited global availability and high costs of sustainable marine fuels.

“The signing of this three-year framework agreement marks a crucial step toward realizing our shared vision of a decarbonized shipping industry,” said Casper Ellerbaek, Head of Global Ocean Freight at DHL Global Forwarding. “We are thrilled to partner with Hapag-Lloyd in driving the adoption of sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim mechanism, ultimately empowering our customers to achieve their climate goals.”

Hapag-Lloyd has committed to achieving net-zero fleet emissions by 2045, while DHL is targeting net-zero GHG emissions across its operations by 2050. Both companies see sustainable marine fuels and chain-of-custody innovations like book and claim as key to meeting these goals.

“We are delighted to have completed this order with DHL, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of using sustainable marine fuels to reduce Scope 3 emissions through our Ship Green product,” said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd, adding: “Partnering with DHL shows how powerful collaboration can be. Together, we are creating real momentum in further decarbonizing supply chains, one bold step at a time.”

DHL’s GoGreen Plus initiative, based on real supply chain decarbonization, helps customers reduce indirect Scope 3 emissions and supports voluntary GHG reporting. Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd’s Ship Green program offers clients the ability to reduce their ocean freight emissions by using biofuel blends in place of traditional fossil fuels.

By combining innovative approaches and long-term commitments, DHL and Hapag-Lloyd are helping to lead the maritime sector toward a lower-carbon future.