Swiss boxship giant Mediterranean Shipping Co has extended its emissions-offsetting programme with climate action group South Pole.
The company was the first container line to offer a carbon-neutral scheme.
MSC's shippers in selected countries have been able to compensate for carbon dioxide emissions by supporting South Pole's projects since 2019.
Now the scheme has gone global.
The process involves measuring the carbon footprint of shipments, after which South Pole certifies that the corresponding amount of carbon credits is permanently cancelled in the Verra Registry on behalf of MSC customers.
Verra is a third-party verification standard.
Carbon credits are assigned serial numbers in the publicly accessible registry.
MSC said the programme complements its massive investment in reducing emissions across its fleet. This includes efficient newbuildings and trials of alternative fuel and propulsion technologies.
Bridging the emissions gap
"In addition to running the biggest fleet investment programme in the industry, MSC has ensured that customers have an option to compensate CO2 emissions through the global MSC Carbon Neutral Programme," said MSC chief operating officer Claudio Bozzo.
"We have partnered with South Pole, a leading, certified third party to extend the programme and help bridge the gap between shipping today and the zero-carbon future we all aspire to."
Natalia Gorina, commercial director at South Pole, added that MSC clients will have the opportunity to contribute to projects that mitigate CO2 emissions and that improve lives in China and Zimbabwe.
Projects range from the development of cleaner energy and to combating poverty, improving skills and ensuring food security.
