Samskip builds a sustainable supply chain step by step

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‘Not a project with an end date, but a continuous learning journey’

Samskip has been working for years to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from transport. The multimodal logistics provider has launched a range of initiatives that benefit the entire supply chain – and there is more to come, according to Sustainability Manager Laurens Dourleijn. He stresses that sustainability is an ongoing process of learning and improvement. ‘We are constantly learning and improving’.

CO₂ reduction is a top priority for Samskip. ‘Sustainability is not an afterthought for us; it is a strategic core value’, says Dourleijn. ‘We simply cannot afford to stand still, which is why we continue to work on groundbreaking, positive change that delivers lasting impact. And we do this together with everyone who shares our mission, because collaboration benefits us all’.

Clear targets, measurable results

In 2024, Samskip had its entire carbon footprint assessed and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Based on this independent, science-based assessment, the company is expected to reduce emissions by at least 42 percent by 2030. Dourleijn explains: ‘We decided to raise the bar. Our target is now a 50 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. By 2040, we aim to be fully climate neutral – well ahead of regulatory requirements’.

It’s an ambitious goal, but the results achieved so far give us confidence. Over recent years, Samskip has already achieved substantial emission reductions by promoting modal shift solutions. By moving freight transport from road to rail and water, thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions are saved each year. In 2023 alone, it’s estimated that intermodal transport avoided more than 130,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional road transport.

These efforts even earned Samskip an EcoVadis Platinum medal – a recognition of its industry-leading sustainability performance. ‘That’s the highest recognition possible. With this Platinum status, we are now among the top 1% most sustainable companies in our sector’, explains Dourleijn. Recent improvements in data collection – particularly around pinpointing where emissions occur – and mapping this information effectively, have played a key role in achieving the Platinum medal. ‘But setting the right targets and developing a clear policy framework have also contributed’, Dourleijn adds. ‘Our overall sustainability management approach is now on a much stronger footing’.

Hydrogen as the new standard

In recent years, Samskip has made significant investments in innovative, cleaner technologies as part of its ongoing sustainability journey. That journey began with a shift to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative to traditional, more polluting marine fuels. ‘At the time it was a major step forward, but also a risky one’, says Dourleijn. ‘The technology was still in its infancy, and the investment required was substantial. But LNG remains a fossil fuel. As we gained a deeper understanding of the climate impact of greenhouse gases, it became clear that we needed to broaden our perspective’.

In 2021, Samskip became the first shipping company to operate vessels running entirely on biofuel – that number eventually rose to five, representing 20 percent of the total fleet. The switch resulted in an annual CO₂ reduction of 45,000 tonnes and cut emissions per vessel by as much as 89 percent. ‘But as we made that transition, we also realised it wouldn’t be enough to meet our long-term targets’, Dourleijn continues. ‘Biofuels are a strong interim solution, but over time we need an alternative that enables fully emission-free transport’.

Samskip sees that forward-looking solution in hydrogen technology. Currently, the company is having two Seashuttles built: these 3.2 MW hydrogen-powered short sea vessels will operate in a green corridor from Rotterdam to Oslo from 2027. ‘With these Seashuttles, we are setting a new standard’, says Dourleijn. Samskip is also exploring the possibility of acquiring two additional Seashuttles, which would instantly double the size of its hydrogen-powered fleet.

A continuous learning journey

According to Dourleijn, shifting the focus to hydrogen is a logical step in an ongoing process of continuous improvement. ‘Sustainability isn’t a project with an end date – it’s a continuous learning journey. We are learning too. Samskip’s entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering role make it a privilege to be part of this transformation’.

That said, Samskip is not limiting its vision to hydrogen alone. ‘Ultimately, it will take a mix of technologies and solutions to make our supply chains truly sustainable’, says Dourleijn. With that in mind, Samskip continues to closely monitor other technologies and initiatives. For example, the company is seriously considering the deployment of a battery-powered river barge, expected to operate between Nijmegen and Hull by 2028 if all goes to plan. Samskip is also exploring whether methanol-powered vessels could be a viable option for routes to and from Iceland. ‘Those are longer distances in rougher seas, and battery or hydrogen solutions simply aren’t viable in those conditions’, Dourleijn explains. In addition, two vessels have already been equipped with carbon capture systems, while another two have been prepared for shore power connections.

Dourleijn concludes by underlining the importance of partnership: ‘We cannot do this alone. Sustainability demands partners who are willing to invest, innovate and take risks together. That’s why we work with proactive collaborators – including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Port of Oslo and encouragingly, an increasing number of forward-thinking clients’.

Sustainability on demand

Samskip is currently developing a new sustainability programme called ‘Samskip FlexFuel’. ‘It allows our clients to easily opt for more sustainable fuels’, explains Dourleijn. Using a transparent, audited system, Samskip procures a specified type of fuel on behalf of the client, which is then used somewhere within the Samskip network. The client then receives the CO₂ reduction associated with that order, which can be applied towards their own sustainability goals.

‘One of my key priorities this year is to make it easier for shippers to make the right choice – without the burden of new infrastructure, operational changes or large investments’, Dourleijn concludes. ‘With FlexFuel, you are essentially telling Samskip that a certain volume of, say, biofuels should be used on your behalf, and then we take care of the rest’.