DP WORLD
UK CARBON INSET PROGRAMME
Helping cargo importers actively reduce their supply chain emissions at the source.
A WORLD-FIRST
WHAT IS THE
CARBON INSET PROGRAMME?
DP World UK's groundbreaking Carbon Inset Programme is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, rewarding cargo owners with carbon certificates for every loaded import container moved through DP World's UK terminals.
HELPING COMPANIES TACKLE SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS IN THEIR SUPPLY CHAINS
Unlike traditional carbon offsetting, which compensates for emissions through external projects like mangrove planting or reforestation, carbon insets address emissions at the source within a company's own supply chain. This approach involves targeting reductions through measures such as using cleaner fuels or more efficient transport.
By participating in this trial, cargo owners can actively contribute to global decarbonisation efforts, while aligning with their own sustainability goals.
EXPANDING OUTCOMES
BENEFITS
The Carbon Inset Programme (CIP) has continued to scale since launching in January 2025, with registrations now surpassing 250,000 TEUs worth of cargo after the certificates available through the scheme were increased five-fold from 50kg to 250kg of CO2e per container for importers.
DP World UK is now extending the opportunity to exporters. From 1 July 2026, qualifying exporters registered to the Carbon Inset Programme will be eligible to earn 13kg CO₂e worth of Container Terminal Inset Certificates (CTICs) for every export laden container moved through DP World London Gateway or DP World Southampton when submitting the associated export customs declarations via Community Network Services (CNS).
The allocation will be provided at no additional cost, limited to a maximum allowance of 10 tonnes CO₂e worth of CTICs per exporter, available until 31 December 2026.
REDUCING SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS
CARBON INSET LANES
The carbon inset certificates are designed to help our customers demonstrate measurable improvements in the carbon intensity of marine container freight activity within their supply chains. These import carbon inset certificates address >90% of the emissions associated with a full port call of container ships when manoeuvring into London Gateway or Southampton over their ‘last nautical mile’, specifically now also accounting for emissions of the tug and pilot boats as well as the container terminal operations itself.
Together, the provided export carbon inset certificates address 13kg CO2e of emissions associated with terminal operations compared to standard default emission factors (11.4kg CO2e/container/terminal). To access these certificates, qualifying export customs declarations must be submitted through CNS, either directly or via a customs agent, using a CNS account.
TRANSPARENT & MEASURABLE
Issued
Customers who register for the programme automatically receive certified carbon inset certificates from DP World UK at no additional cost, funded through the company’s Energy Transition Contribution.
Tracked
Carbon insets generated via Unifeeder are tracked via its GreenBox platform, while Svitzer and DP World Southampton utilises the 123Carbon platform for the same purpose. Both platforms record the deployment of lower-carbon fuels and lower-carbon operations to generate tokens for each tonne of CO₂ saved.
Certified
These tokens are managed independently through the 123Carbon platform in line with the Smart Freight Centre’s methodology and are certified by Bureau Veritas for Unifeeder and DP World Southampton and Verifavia for Svitzer.
If 30% of import volume at DP World's UK ports participates, 100k tonnes of CO2 could be reduced annually by replacing fossil fuels with lower-carbon marine alternatives.
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
WITH DP WORLD
REGISTER NOW AND GREEN-LIGHT YOUR LOGISTICS
Be part of the Carbon Inset Programme Trial.
Cargo owners already enrolled in the programme will be automatically enrolled for the new export certificates unless they opt out. New participants are encouraged to register promptly to maximise the available benefits during the trial period.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
For more information, please see our full Frequently Asked Questions document.
What is the DP World UK Carbon Inset Programme and how does it work?
Our Carbon Inset Programme is the world’s first initiative rewarding cargo owners with carbon certificates for every import or export laden container moved through DP World’s UK terminals. Unlike traditional carbon offsetting, insets reduce emissions at the source within your own supply chain by using lower-carbon fuels, cleaner operations, and efficient transport solutions. Participating companies receive certified, independently verified carbon inset certificates to address their Scope 3 emissions while contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.
What are Scope 3 emissions?
Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from an organisation’s activities from assets not owned or controlled by the organisation. These are emissions upstream and downstream in their supply chain.
Which DP World UK ports participate in the Carbon Inset Programme?
The programme applies to both London Gateway and Southampton terminals.
How does the Carbon Inset Programme benefit your business?
By joining, your business can actively reduce supply chain emissions and improve sustainability reporting.
Our programme helps demonstrate measurable environmental improvements, supports ESG goals, and aligns your operations with DP World’s commitment to reducing absolute emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
Who can register for the Carbon Inset Programme?
Our Carbon Inset Programme is for cargo owners who bring import laden or export laden containers through DP World’s UK terminals.