Hapag-Lloyd, IKEA collaborate to advance cleaner shipping with marine biofuel

Hapag-Lloyd announced May 7 that it has entered a cooperation with IKEA Supply Chain Operations to decarbonize the Hapag-Lloyd container shipments originating from Asia, marking an important step towards a more sustainable maritime industry.

For the period March 2024 to February 2025, both companies have agreed to use Hapag-Lloyd’s highest product option for biofuels, “Ship Green 100,” which relies on waste- and residue-based biofuel instead of conventional marine fuel oil.

The expected result for IKEA during this period is a CO2-emission reduction of around 100,000 metric tons.

“IKEA stands as one of our valued customers, known for its unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Danny Smolders, the managing director of global sales at Hapag-Lloyd.

“By joining forces, we are reducing CO2e emissions significantly,” Smolders continued.

“Ship Green is an important aspect of our decarbonization journey and brings us one step closer to our goal of net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” he added.

The IKEA goal is to reduce the relative greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from its product transportation by 70 percent by 2030 and to only use zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and ocean vessels by 2040.

“It’s through efforts like this one that we can reduce immediate emissions from ocean shipping in the short-term,” said Dariusz Mroczek, IKEA Supply Chain Operations’ category area transport manager.

“However, biofuel is not the ultimate solution and we need to continue to collaborate to make the necessary shift toward zero-emission fuels and technologies,” Mroczek said.

Hapag-Lloyd said this partnership represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry, where collaboration and innovation intersect to create a greener, more sustainable future for global shipping.

Both Hapag-Lloyd and IKEA said they are committed to leading the way in environmentally conscious practices, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Ship Green product to offer its customers emission-reduced ocean transport.

Based on biofuel, Hapag-Lloyd’s customers can choose between 100 percent, 50 percent or 25 percent CO2e-emission avoidance.

Ship Green is available for all shipments, including standard, reefer, hardtop or tank equipment.