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DP World pushes multimodal programme with increased rail use
DP World has selected Pledge to deliver carbon cutting metrics for its road to rail programme, as part of its bid to cut congestion and emissions on UK roads.
It will measure the impact of DP World’s modal shift programme (MSP) which financially incentivises cargo owners to switch from road to rail for freight transport from the Port of Southampton to railheads within a radius of 140 miles.
The programme is also helping to address the current under-utilisation of the UK’s rail freight network. While the volume of cargo moved by rail from Southampton had previously dropped by ten percentage points in the decade leading to 2023, the MSP has reversed this trend, increasing the share of freight moved by rail from 21% to 30% since September 2023.
This, says DP World, has made a significant contribution to the Government’s 2050 target for a 75% increase in rail freight to reduce congestion and emissions on the roads. The MSP has already removed 6,400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in its first six months of operation.
Working out how many kilos of CO2 equivalents are saved for every consignment is calculated using the Pledge platform. This uses the cargo’s weight, origin and destination locations, the type and characteristics of the vehicle used and other factors, such as road characteristics and elevation levels, to establish the road-based carbon footprint for each journey.
The footprint for a rail-based journey, with trucks only used for the last mile, is also established, and the difference between the two figures is the carbon emission savings made.
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton, said: “DP World’s pledge to deliver carbon cutting metrics for its road to rail programme underscores the crucial role of the rail industry in decarbonising the nation’s logistics network.”
“The removal of 6,400 tonnes of CO2e in just six months is an impressive achievement that aligns perfectly with the Government's 2050 targets. Undoubtedly, this initiative not only benefits the race to decarbonise but also demonstrates DP World's leadership in driving meaningful change in the logistics sector.”
Published On: 08/08/2024 12:49:52
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