The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved our parent company ESL Shipping’s near and long-term emission reduction targets as the first company in the general cargo segment. Approval means that the targets, which include AtoB@C Shipping, align with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in line with the Paris Agreement.

ESL Shipping commits to reduce its well-to-wake GHG emissions by 59.6% per ton-nautical mile by 2030, which equals a 47.1% absolute reduction. In the long term, ESL Shipping is committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and to reduce well-to-wake emissions by 97.8% from the 2023 base level.

Although outside of the scope in the GHG Protocol, SBTi requires the use-phase emissions of transported fossil fuels to be included in the target boundary. ESL Shipping is committed to discontinue the transport of fossil fuels, such as energy coal, latest by 2030 and to reduce the emissions from the use-phase of transported fossil fuels by 100% by 2030 from the 2023 baseline.

“This milestone reflects our deep commitment to climate action and the transformation of maritime logistics. Through fleet renewal, operational efficiency, and the increased use of renewable fuels, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a new standard for sustainable shipping. Our transition plan is ambitious, but we are determined to deliver on it,” says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping and Chairman of the Board, AtoB@C Shipping AB.

More information about our transition plan is available in the latest Sustainability Report.

ESL Shipping’s approved science-based targets

Overall net-zero target

• ESL Shipping commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2040.

Near-term targets

• ESL Shipping commits to reduce well-to-wake scope 1 and 3 GHG emissions from general cargo and bulk carrier shipping operations 59.6% per tonne nautical mile by 2030 from a 2023 base year, equivalent to a 47.1% absolute reduction.*
• ESL Shipping also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from use of sold products for distributed fossil fuels 100% by 2030 from a 2023 base year.

Long-term targets

• ESL Shipping commits to reduce well-to-wake scope 1 and 3 GHG emissions from general cargo and bulk carrier shipping operations 97.8% per tonne nautical mile by 2040 from a 2023 base year, equivalent to a 97.1% absolute reduction.*
• ESL Shipping also commits to maintain 100% absolute scope 3 GHG emissions reductions from use of sold products for distributed fossil fuels from 2030 through 2040 from a 2023 base year.
• ESL Shipping Ltd further commits to reduce all remaining absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2040 from a 2023 base year.
  Source: AtoB@C Shipping AB