Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) is currently implementing the necessary strategies needed to reduce its environmental impacts and remain competitive in a global marketplace. In order to achieve these goals, all WWL daily activities follow a five-part strategic environmental framework.
1. Focus on high impact changes
WWL is constantly looking for ways to reduce the CO2 emissions from vessels to improve environmental performance. In 2010, WWL reduced relative CO2 emissions by 21 per cent compared to 2009. This was a result of improved vessel and space utilisation following the reduced volume carried through the global financial crisis, and increased energy efficiency. In April 2011, the first of WWL’s new generation Mark V vessels entered the fleet with 15-20 per cent reduced CO2 emissions per transported unit. These improvements are encouraging developments to take the operational, technical and design steps forward to deliver a more energy efficient and sustainable supply chain.
2. WWL holds itself accountable and transparent in its environmental commitments
WWL believes that accountability and transparency must be a strategic company response to stakeholder demands, whether it be regulators, customers, or local communities. As a consequence, WWL’s CO2 inventory reporting is verified by Det Norske Veritas, to comply with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1. WWL was first in the shipping sector in 2009 to verify data according to these standards. This has allowed WWL to develop a robust reporting framework that is used as an internal management tool to measure performance and prepare for future regulations, as well as enabling WWL to provide credible CO2 emissions information to its stakeholders.
3. WWL exceeds its responsibilities for environmental performance
Since 2004, WWL has maintained the average global sulphur content of the bunker fuel used on vessels at less than 1.5 per cent, well below the global regulatory limit of 4.5 per cent. The accumulated result of WWL’s low sulphur fuel policy since 2001 has meant that WWL has saved 151,000 t of sulphur from being emitted over the past ten years compared to the industry average.
To reduce the threat of invasive species transferred through ballast water, WWL currently performs deep water exchange as recommended by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). In addition to this, WWL has installed IMO-approved ballast water treatment systems onboard it’s new builds over the last three years. At the end of 2010, WWL had 13 per cent of the fleet equipped with ballast water treatment systems, well ahead of IMO regulations.
4. WWL cultivates partnerships with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions
In a recent study with Indian auto manufacturer TATA Motors, WWL was able to recognise that the amount of emissions per vehicle from factory to dealer, which is approximately 562 kg of CO2 could be reduced by 17 per cent. This could be achieved through redesigning the distribution network in South Africa that also delivered cost savings. Also some short-term initiatives such as reduced fuel filling, improved driver training, truck design could have an estimated carbon emission reduction of approximately 7per cent relative to current supply chain performance.
5. WWL invests in future technologies
WWL’s E/S Orcelle concept vessel and Castor Green Terminal concept represent WWL’s zero emission ambition, at sea and on land. A roadmap toward the concept of a zero emissions vessel has been developed describing the technology, operational and energy needs for this type of ambition towards 2040. The Castor Green Terminal on the other hand is based on technologies which are available or soon to be available but not yet commercially viable. WWL is working toward realising its vision by 2020.
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