What is the sea freight industry doing to reduce carbon emissions?

Kuehne+Nagel's Shipping Insights

Dec 11 2023 • 16 mins

Today, it is possible to transport by sea with carbon neutrality. But how? In this episode, Sara Vollmer and Kai Miller, Trade Manager - Energy and Emissions at Kuehne+Nagel, talk about the alternatives to conventional fuels. From LNG to next-generation biofuels they discuss options for how shippers can reduce their carbon footprint. Key topics include: The regulatory landscape in which the sea freight industry operates, Kuehne+Nagel’s visibility tool for CO2e emissions, the different fuel options, e.g. “Brown grease”, Kuehne+Nagel’s biofuel mass-balance concept and available services as well as progress of renewable technologies for vessels. Recorded in September 2022. Details: (02:38) Sara and Kai discuss what low-carbon fuels or biofuels are and what brown grease is. (03:23) Kai explains why biofuels are the best available option when it comes to the scale at which they can be used. (04:23) Sara and Kai discuss the alternative options to biofuels such as ammonia, methanol, and batteries. (05:34) The topics of liquified natural gas (LNG) and its characteristics are brought up. (07:48) Kai goes over what Kuehne+Nagel offers in terms of sustainable fuels. (08:43) Kai mentions the Kuehne+Nagel seaexplorer and how it helps customers make more sustainable decisions when shipping their cargo. (09:42) He explains what the carbon intensity indicator (CII) is. (10:23) Kai talks about what the carriers have in terms of sustainable fuel options and ships that can burn these fuels. (11:34) Kai shares his thoughts on the necessity of a joint move towards sustainable fuels and the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) impact on this change. (13:54) Kai talks about Kuehne+Nagel's plans for sustainable fuels, which include moving towards an even greener sea freight industry and collaborating with our partners to reach our sustainable goals. (14:54) He explains how customers can use seaexplorer to analyse their options and reduce their emissions.