Kuehne+Nagel and Hapag-Lloyd take their first joint step towards sustainable ocean shipping

• First collaboration between Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel on sustainable ocean freight using Sustainable Marine Fuels (SMF)

• Approx. 3,000 tonnes CO₂e emission reductions agreed as pilot volume for 2026

• Around 1,000 tonnes of RED III compliant, waste based SMF utilized

Kuehne+Nagel and Hapag-Lloyd are further strengthening their long-standing partnership and, for the first time, collaborating on emission-reduced ocean transport solutions. As part of this agreement, Kuehne+Nagel will utilize Hapag-Lloyd’s “Ship Green” product to reduce the carbon footprint of its ocean freight shipments.

The agreement marks an important milestone in the relationship between the two companies. For the period from April to December 2026, approximately 3,300 TEU of cargo transported on the East Asia to North Europe trade lane will be covered under the agreement. Through the use of certified waste- and residue-based biofuels (SMF), the initiative is expected to avoid around 2,979 tonnes of CO₂e emissions on a well-to-wake basis.

“We are proud to take our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel to the next level,” said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd. “With Ship Green, we offer a scalable solution that enables our customers to actively reduce their Scope 3 emissions today. This agreement shows how strong partnerships can translate into tangible climate impact.”

Paolo Montrone, Head of Trade Global Sea Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, added: “Decarbonizing shipping requires transparency, collaboration and commercially viable solutions. By having strong partnerships, making emissions data transparent, and enabling scope 3 reductions, we help customers navigate in a credible, market-based way, designed to accelerate the uptake of alternative fuels. We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd to make this come true.”

The agreement is based on a book-and-claim chain-of-custody mechanism that allows customers to claim verified emission reductions, regardless of the physical fuel allocation to specific vessels or routes. Only emissions reductions from biofuel that has been used in Hapag-Lloyd’s operated fleet is allocated to Kuehne+Nagel. This model enables scalable climate action, utilizing waste based biofuel as a bridge solution.

Both companies are committed to ambitious climate goals. Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, while Kuehne+Nagel has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2050. Offering sustainable logistic solutions to customers is a key lever to achieve these goals.

By working together and leveraging sustainable marine fuels and the book and claim approach, Kuehne+Nagel and Hapag-Lloyd are contributing to the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future and energy independence.

About Kuehne+Nagel

With more than 85,000 employees across over 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland and listed on the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI, it is the global number one in Air and Sea Logistics and holds strong market positions in Road and Contract Logistics. Supporting around 400,000 customers worldwide, the Group draws on its global network, logistics expertise, and data-driven insights to deliver end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries.