top of page

Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk Partner to Drive Airfreight Decarbonization with SAF

Maggie Johnson

By Maggie Johnson

December 6, 2024

Image Credit: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel-Qantas,” available at Yahoo Images (12/06/2024).


Lufthansa Cargo and A.P. Moller-Maersk have partnered to drive the decarbonization of airfreight through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Under this agreement, Lufthansa Cargo will deploy 400 metric tonnes of SAF on behalf of Maersk during the remainder of 2024, a critical period characterized by high cargo volumes. This initiative, which involves the innovative sourcing of SAF, is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 1,200 metric tonnes, marking a significant step toward sustainability in global logistics.

The aviation sector faces unique challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making this collaboration between two major players in the industry particularly impactful. Maersk, as one of the world's largest logistics providers, has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across all modes of transportation, as well as in warehousing and container terminal operations. This commitment to sustainability is echoed by Lufthansa Cargo, demonstrating the dedication of both partners to a greener future. Morten Bo Christiansen, Head of Energy Transition at Maersk, emphasized that the limited availability of SAF in the aviation industry makes such agreements vital for accelerating its adoption and contributing to a broader reduction in emissions.

Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, highlighted SAF as a crucial enabler for sustainable aviation and an essential element of the sector's energy transition. He noted that achieving more sustainable flying requires a comprehensive approach involving modern, efficient aircraft fleets and improved operational practices. Lufthansa Cargo's fleet of Boeing 777 freighters exemplifies these principles, as it is among the most advanced and efficient in its class.

Maersk plans to allocate the emissions reductions achieved through this partnership to a European airfreight customer as part of its ECO Delivery Air product. This means the customer will benefit from a reduced carbon footprint for their airfreight shipments. This offering is part of Maersk's broader ECO Delivery portfolio, including ocean and inland transportation solutions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel-based options. Notably, Maersk is the first company to have its net-zero targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative using maritime industry guidance.

The SAF used in this partnership is produced from biogenic materials, such as cooking oil, using the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) technique. This fuel, offered through the Lufthansa Group's Sustainable Choice service, delivers an approximately 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions over its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil kerosene. As a drop-in fuel, SAF integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure and operations without requiring modifications. However, it cannot be allocated to specific individual flights, meaning that the emissions reduction benefits are distributed across the entire fleet rather than targeted at specific high-impact flights.

Through the Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Cargo collaborates with global partners to develop SAF and next-generation synthetic fuels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable aviation. These efforts align with the Lufthansa Group's ambitious climate goals, which include halving net CO₂ emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels through a combination of reduction and compensation strategies. The group also aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. By combining the adoption of SAF with ongoing investments in modern fleets and operational efficiencies, Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk are setting an example for the aviation industry, demonstrating the feasibility of meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.



2 views0 comments

コメント


bottom of page