Global freight forwarder DHL and container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd have signed a three-year agreement to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport through the use of sustainable marine fuels. The collaboration leverages a “book and claim” mechanism, enabling DHL and its customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions while bypassing the physical limitations of biofuel supply.

Scope and Strategic Framework

The deal builds on Hapag-Lloyd’s Ship Green program, launched in 2023 to offer emission-reduced ocean transport. Through the agreement, DHL will secure verified Scope 3 emission reductions, while Hapag-Lloyd continues to expand the use of second-generation biofuels sourced from waste and residue feedstocks such as brown grease and used cooking oil. The “book and claim” approach allows the decoupling of emissions reductions from physical fuel use, offering a scalable pathway to climate action even as sustainable fuel production remains constrained. By signing this multi-year framework, both companies are signalling long-term commitment to integrating low-carbon fuels into their supply chains.

Economic and Environmental Impact

As part of the partnership, DHL and Hapag-Lloyd have already reported tangible results. Their initial order, executed in July 2025, delivered 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions reductions. The use of advanced biofuels can significantly lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional marine fuel oil, providing measurable benefits for global supply chains. The deal also demonstrates how corporate customers can credibly claim emissions savings through verified certificates, enhancing transparency in carbon accounting. By supporting the growth of biofuel demand, DHL and Hapag-Lloyd are helping stimulate investment into alternative fuel production, which is critical to scaling availability and lowering costs.

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Corporate Governance and Transparency

Both companies have established ambitious climate targets. Hapag-Lloyd aims for net-zero fleet emissions by 2045, while DHL has pledged to achieve net-zero across all operations by 2050. The partnership reinforces their governance commitments by embedding decarbonisation into service offerings rather than treating it as an optional add-on. Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd, emphasised that collaboration is key: “Together, we are creating real momentum in further decarbonising supply chains, one bold step at a time.” Similarly, DHL highlighted the agreement as “a crucial step toward realizing a decarbonized shipping industry.” By aligning their strategies, the two companies are also setting a precedent for how cross-sector collaboration can deliver systemic impact in hard-to-abate industries.

Challenges to Scaling

Despite the progress, scaling sustainable marine fuels remains a formidable challenge. Global supply of second-generation biofuels is limited, and costs are still higher than traditional marine fuels. Verification mechanisms like book and claim help bridge the gap but also raise questions around standardisation, double-counting risks, and regulatory acceptance. Infrastructure constraints, such as blending capacity and distribution networks, further limit immediate adoption. To achieve broader industry decarbonisation, the shipping sector will need parallel advances in synthetic fuels, green ammonia, and methanol, alongside regulatory incentives that accelerate uptake.

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Future Outlook

The DHL–Hapag-Lloyd agreement reflects growing momentum in the shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey. By committing to a three-year framework, the partners are signalling confidence in both the maturity of sustainable fuels and the importance of collaborative action. Looking ahead, the partnership could pave the way for wider industry adoption of book and claim mechanisms, particularly as regulators and standard-setting bodies move toward harmonised frameworks for Scope 3 emissions accounting. For customers, it provides a tangible way to align logistics operations with net-zero commitments, demonstrating that even carbon-intensive industries can begin shifting toward cleaner alternatives. If scaled successfully, such agreements will play a crucial role in positioning global shipping on a path consistent with international climate goals while proving that commercial partnerships can drive systemic change in hard-to-abate sectors.

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