Shipping optimisation company ZeroNorth has added 200 chartered bulkers to its platform in a deal with trader Louis Dreyfus Co (LDC).
The Dutch-headquartered “big four” agricultural commodities giant wants to accelerate its fleet decarbonisation through vessel performance improvements and fuel-use reductions.
LDC’s vessels, ranging from handysize to capesize, will use data-driven recommendations on optimal routing, based on specific voyage, vessel, bunker and emissions optimisation objectives, the Copenhagen tech company said.
LDC will also benefit from further insights into its fleet, with a real-time view of the status of all vessels and suggested actions to be taken to improve performance.
ZeroNorth chief executive Soren Meyer said: “We’re proud to be working with a sustainability-driven organisation like LDC and are looking forward to helping them achieve their ambitious decarbonisation goals.
“In an increasingly complex industry with tightening environmental regulations, it’s important that we all choose pioneering partners that can lead the way and raise the ambition for the entire industry.
“Collaboration is key to driving greener operations across the industry and we look forward to helping LDC gain additional insight into its fleet, improve vessel performance and ultimately make positive decisions for both profit and planet.”
LDC makes up about 10% of the world’s farming product trade flows, and is the world’s largest cotton and rice trader.
Its global head of freight, Sebastien Landerretche, added: “As a responsible freight operator, we are committed to operating our vessels in the most fuel-efficient way, to reduce shipping emissions as part of the group’s overall decarbonisation journey.
“With a clear vision for their solution and strong subject matter expertise, we see ZeroNorth as a key partner paving the way for further actions, such as investment in energy-saving devices and adoption of alternative fuels, which are core to the group’s strategy to help deliver a more sustainable maritime sector.”
Big rate of return
Last month, ZeroNorth celebrated its third anniversary by revealing another big rate of return.
The expanding operation, backed by AP Moller Holding, Cargill and PSG Equity, said it achieved 300% annual growth for the second year in a row.
It has also quadrupled its accounting rate of return each year since 2021.
LDC said it has reduced emissions from its shipping operations in the past year as it targets a 15% cut per tonne-mile.
Writing in its sustainability report for 2022, chief executive Michael Gelchie said consumers expect the group’s decisions to support environmental conservation and socioeconomic development, protecting people and the planet.
