Customs Support Group announces acquisition of DOJÖ Consulting Group

Date: September 15, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Europe’s leading independent provider of customs clearance and trade solutions has announced the acquisition of a top-tier global firm to create the largest trade advisory division on the continent.

Customs Support Group (CSG) has completed the strategic acquisition of DOJÖ Consulting Group, an advisory firm in global trade management strategy and customs compliance outsourcing for large-scale companies. 

The move enables CSG to strengthen its offering in trade compliance consultancy and expand on its already-comprehensive service provision.

Together with DOJÖ’s experts, CSG now boasts the largest trade advisory division in Europe, with more than 80 consultants across the continent, specialising in both strategic and operational advice.

The group will also house the first ‘European Classification Hub’ of its kind, addressing the increasing demand for external expertise in accurate goods classification amid evolving tariff uncertainties.

CSG, which has its UK headquarters in Felixstowe, has completed the acquisition as demand for customs and trade compliance support reaches critical levels, due to a shifting global trade environment, evolving regulations and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

“Adding DOJÖ’s capabilities to Customs Support, we are creating a best-in-class team of customs and trade experts in Europe,” said John Wegman, CEO of Customs Support Group.

“Together, we will leverage our combined strengths to take global trade management to the next level, creating a unique team dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

John said DOJÖ’s deep expertise in global trade compliance management and strategy will complement CSG’s extensive hands-on experience in customs handling processes and digital innovations.

“This strengthened combined team will enhance the depth, reach, and quality of the customs and compliance solutions delivered to clients across Europe and beyond,” he added.

“Joining forces with CSG opens a world of opportunities for our team and clients,” said Nicolas Urien, CEO of DOJÖ Consulting Group.

“Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in global trade management will allow us to expand our reach across Europe and offer an unparalleled team that combines strategic services with best-in-class compliance execution.”

Port of Felixstowe expands autonomous truck fleet

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has confirmed an order for a further 34 Autonomous Trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd (Westwell), doubling its fleet and cementing its position as a leader in port automation.

The first 34 ATs, deployed successfully early this year into operation at the port’s Trinity Terminal alongside conventionally driven trucks, represented Europe’s first ever successful use of ATs in mixed traffic mode operation.

Commenting on the order, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe CEO, said:

“We are proud to be leading the way in autonomous operations in ports. Doubling our fleet of ATs will deliver even greater efficiency and resilience to our operation. These new units will feature enhanced sensor technology, enabling even greater operational performance for our customers.

“The continued scaling up of this project has been made possible by the recent introduction of a private 5G network at the Port of Felixstowe. As well as improving operational consistency and efficiency, the increased use of battery-powered ATs will significantly support our ambition to achieve Net-Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035.”

Kenny Tan, Founder and Chairman of Westwell, said:

“We’re very pleased to mark this next milestone with the second batch of 34 Westwell’s ATs and the go-live of a battery swapping station. Having the port fully automated with ATs shows how far we’ve come in terms of empowering ports’ smart operation.

“None of this would have been possible without the strong partnership between the Port of Felixstowe and Westwell, which has been key to making such a pioneering project successful.

“We truly believe that with the further strengthening of the port’s network infrastructure, Westwell’s ATs and smart energy replenishment system will continue to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate the port’s transition toward its Net-Zero emissions objectives. Collaboratively, we are shaping the future of smart port operations.”

The port’s 5G network is one of the largest private networks of its kind in the UK. It provides fast, reliable and secure communication and control systems for the ATs as well as for a wide range of conventional equipment.

A newly commissioned automated battery swap station allows ATs to exchange depleted power units for fully charged ones in just five to six minutes – without manual intervention. This ensures maximum fleet availability and minimal disruption to operations.

The port’s ATs are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 128-line LiDAR, 360-degree camera vision, monocular and stereo cameras with radar, delivering world-class levels of safety and performance.

Stena Line welcomes Stena Futura onto Belfast-Heysham route

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Stena Line has welcomed the first of its new hybrid freight ferries to Belfast Harbour.   The multimillion-pound purpose-built Stena Futura will go into service on the freight-only Belfast to Heysham route on 22 September.

The 147-metre Stena Futura will operate 12 sailings per week providing much needed additional freight capacity on the popular route which connects local hauliers directly into the key North of England road freight network.

Once operational, Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta, currently under construction and due to enter service also on the Belfast-Heysham route in early 2026, will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The two hybrid vessels, which are ‘methanol-ready’ will play a key role in Stena Line’s sustainability journey. They are further enhanced with built-in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.

Stena Futura represents a significant step forward in sustainable shipping, built to operate on methanol and is part of a broader initiative to integrate sustainable technologies. The sister vessel in the same series is being delivered “rotor sail ready,” further demonstrating Stena Line’s commitment to wind propulsion.

Paul Grant, Route Director Stena Line said:

“The arrival of Stena Futura in Belfast is a significant milestone in our 30-year association with the city.  Stena Futura and sister vessel Stena Connecta represent an investment of over £100 million, highlighting our commitment to our Irish Sea network. The ships were commissioned in direct response to customer demand for an increase in freight capacity on our routes and we are delighted to see the first ship enter service.”

“These vessels represent a crucial step in our broader sustainability journey. By integrating battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, we are making significant strides towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, reinforcing Stena Line’s position as a leader in sustainable shipping.”

Joe O’Neil, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour said:

“It is fantastic to welcome the Stena Futura to Belfast. We would like to congratulate Paul and the team at Stena Line on this significant milestone and welcome their commitment to sustainability in shipping. The whole team at Belfast Harbour is looking forward to seeing this state-of-the-art vessel entering service on one of our most important freight routes.

“Stena Line is a valued strategic partner and we are confident that there will be further opportunity for growth in freight volumes on the already successful Belfast-Heysham route following the introduction of the Stena Futura.”

Phil Hall, Port Director at Peel Ports Group added:

“The arrival of Stena Futura marks an exciting new era of sustainable, greener shipping across the Irish Sea. Our own investments to upgrade the Port of Heysham, alongside the long-standing and valued partnership with Stena Line, will enable an improved, more resilient, and environmentally responsible gateway for our customers.”

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet providing up to 238 weekly sailings offering the widest choice of routes including: combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, in addition to the dedicated freight only routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin.

Business Choice Direct and Trustd partner to bring tamper-proof, verifiable insurance credentials to the logistics sector

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Business Choice Direct (BCD), a leading insurance provider to the transport and logistics industry, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Trustd, the government-certified digital identity platform for transport and logistics, to launch the logistics sector’s first use of verifiable insurance credentials. This platform facilitates digital proof of valid insurance which can be instantly confirmed by any third party, whether a fleet owner, freight forwarder, or shipper.

Traditionally, insurance documentation relied on physical or emailed copies that are easily outdated or manipulated, leaving carriers, subcontractors, and freight businesses vulnerable to fraud. In many cases, invalid or refunded insurance policies are mistakenly accepted because there’s no easy way to verify them when they are presented as proof of cover. Figures from BCD renewal statistics 2025 show that on average almost 30% of insurance policies are cancelled per month. Whilst not all of these cancellations are due to fraudulent activity, this statistic highlights the significant volume of potential risks that could have gone undetected by manual paperwork processes.

This new partnership changes that.

Through integration with Trustd, BCD policyholders can now generate secure, real-time verifiable credentials – providing instant verification of valid insurance coverage, accessible and confirmable by any third-party, including fleet owners, freight forwarders, or shippers, at any time. The insurance details can be instantly authenticated through secure digital channels, ensuring full transparency and reliability. In addition, the credentials are portable and tamper-proof and can be checked without relying on phone calls or visual inspections.

These digital insurance policies benefit over 10,000 logistics businesses on the TEG platform, one of Trustd’s flagship customers, by providing instant updates if a policy is cancelled or expires, allowing quick action without confusion. This prevents instances of fraud and unauthorised carriers moving freight without the correct insurances.

“This is a game-changer for insurance verification in logistics,” said Tristan Scaife, Director of Commercial at Business Choice Direct.

“This is the first time the logistics industry has access to real-time confirmation that a courier genuinely holds the right insurance. Through our partnership with Trustd, we’ve eliminated the uncertainty that risk and compliance teams have faced for years. No more guesswork, just instant, verified proof. We’re proud to be the first insurer to offer this capability with Trustd, ensuring our customers’ credentials are both secure and effortlessly verifiable”.

For drivers and carriers, this means an easy way to share and verify your insurance with anyone or any company for transport work.

For businesses, it offers a reliable and seamless method to ensure every policy presented is current and valid, minimising risk, improving compliance, and streamlining operations.

Tristan continues:

“In terms of our partnership with TEG, we can offer exclusive savings and drivers can be confident that everyone on the platform and insured with BCD, is a Trustd courier. We’re proud to offer exclusive insurance discounts to Trustd users who choose to verify their credentials digitally”.

Lyall Cresswell, Founder and CEO of Trustd added:

“I’ve always known providing credible documents can be a challenge, so this integration with BCD is exciting. Together, we’re pioneering innovation in logistics by solving problems that have existed for decades. This partnership with BCD is just the beginning. Our platform is designed to support a growing network of credential issuers, creating a single source of truth for all the verifiable credentials that carriers and drivers need. It’s a win for everyone, from fleet operators to individual drivers.”

Once launched, this solution will be available to all TEG users with a BCD-issued policy.

Cotswold Outdoor Group appoints DHL for new multi-year contract

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Cotswold Outdoor Group in a new multi-year contract. The contract will see DHL provide expert warehousing and fulfilment solutions for the British company behind high-street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock.

Cotswold Outdoor Group’s warehousing and fulfilment will now operate out of DHL’s multi-user facility in Coventry. The new partnership will enable Cotswold Outdoor Group to benefit from newer facilities and technology, delivering a smoother, more efficient service for its customers and partners. Leveraging its industry expertise and extensive network, DHL will manage warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment and product distribution to 75 stores nationwide.

Entirely powered by renewable electricity, the Coventry facility was DHL’s first operationally carbon-neutral new build site in the UK, with a BREEAM rating of “Excellent” and an EPC “A” rating, supporting Cotswold Outdoor Group’s sustainability pledges.

Natalie Frow, MD, eCommerce and Retail, DHL Supply Chain UK&I said:

“Through this new partnership, we’re proud to be supporting a growing British retailer, known for its quality and commitment to sustainable practices. With a wealth of experience in delivering optimised logistics solutions, we’re perfectly positioned to help Cotswold Outdoor Group drive operational efficiencies.”

Jamie Kristow, CEO, Cotswold Outdoor Group, said:

“Making sure our customers and partners have an exceptional experience working with us is always a top priority. By partnering with DHL, we are ensuring our supply chain is strong and agile, while also delivering against our sustainability commitments.”

The new contract coincides with Cotswold Outdoor Group relocating its head office to Swindon.

M&S Food appoints Blakemore Food Solutions as primary wholesale partner

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

M&S Food has announced another step forward in its Reshape for Growth strategy by appointing A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses, as its new primary wholesale partner for third party branded products.

This strategic partnership will streamline and modernise M&S’ supply chain, helping deliver a more consistent and reliable shopping experience for customers as it continues its journey to become a shopping list retailer.

At the heart of M&S Food is a commitment to sourcing and making high-quality, great-tasting products. Its vision remains to be the UK’s most trusted retailer, doing the right thing for customers, with quality at the heart of everything it does. M&S Food is renowned for unrivalled quality, value, and innovation, trusted by families for every occasion. Partnering with family-owned Blakemore Food Solutions reflects a shared commitment to excellence, care, and responsibility behind every product.

Under the multi-year agreement, A.F. Blakemore will supply a range of premium branded goods to complement M&S’s core own brand ranges. The products will be supplied to M&S’ regional distribution network, serving more than 550 stores nationwide. With a seven-day delivery service and consolidated chilled and ambient supply, this partnership will improve product availability and increase operational efficiency.

Alex Freudmann, Managing Director at M&S Food, said:

“We are thrilled to be working with A.F Blakemore as our new, trusted wholesale partner. Blakemore will be providing an improved wholesale solution with a full seven days a week service that will increase availability for our store and customers. As we reshape our business for growth and focus on improving availability and efficiency, choosing the right, trusted partners who can deliver on that is key.” 

Carol Welch, CEO of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, said:

“At A.F. Blakemore we are committed to delivering consistent quality, agility, and service, and it’s a privilege to partner with M&S to help accelerate the growth of their Food business. This partnership reflects the advances made in our wholesale and food service capabilities and the significant investment in our infrastructure and product ranging. I want to take this opportunity to recognise the teams at A.F. Blakemore and M&S who have made this a smooth transition, and I look forward to building a strong, rewarding and high growth partnership.”

UPN achieves ISO 14001:2015 environmental accreditation

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

United Pallet Network (UPN) has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification, marking a major milestone in its mission to put sustainability at the core of palletised freight distribution.

ISO 14001:2015 is the global standard for Environmental Management Systems, proving organisations manage environmental impact responsibly while driving sustainability, compliance, and continuous improvement across operations.

Following a rigorous independent audit by the British Assessment Bureau, a UKAS-accredited body, UPN has been officially certified for its Environmental Management System recognising UPN’s structured, accountable, and transparent approach to reducing its environmental footprint.

From Carbon Neutral Deliveries to the rollout of Electric Forklift Trucks, UPN has already made bold strides to lower emissions and modernise operations. This latest accreditation cements its position as a logistics leader that delivers both reliability and responsibility.

David Brown, UPN Managing Director, commented:

“This certification is a proud achievement for UPN and a clear signal of our commitment to sustainability. We are dedicated to providing services that not only meet our customers’ needs but also have minimal impact on our planet. ISO 14001:2015 provides the framework to ensure we keep driving measurable improvements across our business.”

Joanna Davilla, UPN Sustainability Lead, added:

“ISO 14001 proves that for UPN sustainability is not just a promise, it’s embedded into how we operate every day. Our members, customers, and partners can be confident that when they choose UPN, they’re choosing a business that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.”

The certification carries the UKAS ‘Crown & Tick’ mark, the government-backed guarantee of trust and quality. Through UKAS CertCheck, anyone can validate UPN’s certification details, offering transparency and assurance at every step.

UPN’s sights are set on combining first-class palletised freight services with uncompromising environmental responsibility. This certification is both recognition of progress and a springboard for further innovation in green logistics.

Pallet-Track delivers record growth

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Pallet-Track has revealed record levels of growth after publishing its latest accounts.

Figures from the Wolverhampton-based pallet network show a leap in profits of more than 44% for the last 12 months, for the period ending December 31, 2024.

Its success has been delivered through the tremendous partnership with its shareholder members, delivering best in class service with improved efficiencies, resulting in increases in pallet volumes.

In the past year, Pallet-Track managed 4.1 million pallets, up 4.7%, on the previous year.

Major investments in technology have also supported its growth, with improvements to tracking and visibility software, along with forklift truck safety, also boosting efficiency across its network.

Figures published today show the Pallet-Track Group generated a total revenue of £150.7 million, up £12.3 million, or 8.9% year-on-year.

Its Adjusted EBITDA of £7.4m is up £2.3m, or 44.1%, year-on-year, the highest EBITDA in the group’s history.

This has been reflected in an overall gross profit margin of 56.1%, up 1.4% year-on-year, and a net profit margin of 12.3%, up 1.1%, year-on-year.

Pallet-Track’s operating profit of £3m is up £1.8m, a 140% year-on-year growth.

As well as significantly growing its income, Pallet-Track also invested £1.8m in capital expenditure projects, the highest level of investment made by the group in a single year.

Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, said:

“This is an incredible set of results and an extremely exciting time for our Shareholder Network. We are enormously proud to be delivering these levels of growth during particularly challenging times for the logistics industry.

“Pallet-Track used to be known as the best kept secret in the sector, however, we have demonstrated the power of our Shareholder Network, shown the strength of the brand and our vision and commitment of being an industry leader.

“We have a wonderful foundation for future growth, built on service excellence and this is further proof of the commitment of our fantastic colleagues and Shareholder Members who truly make it happen.”

GXO and Greene King partnership turbocharges operational sustainability

Date: September 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GXO Logistics and Greene King have announced a series of sustainability achievements resulting from their long-standing partnership, which began in 2012, across a range of areas, notably fleet decarbonisation, waste reduction, recycling and community impact.

“When a customer and logistics provider operate as true partners with a shared commitment to sustainability, great results follow,” said Chris Hyde, Managing Director – Food and Drink, GXO UK and Ireland.

“GXO’s commitment to environmental sustainability combined with Greene King’s ‘Greene King for Good’ programme have enabled us to deliver tangible benefits, particularly in decarbonisation and waste reduction. We are delighted with these results and look forward to advancing our progress to carbon reduction and waste diversion targets.”

Vance Fairman-Smith, Group Supply Chain Director, Greene King, said:

“Our ongoing partnership with GXO is enabling us to drive forward best practices and innovation and adopt a range of environmentally responsible operational measures. By leveraging innovation, technology and best practice to reduce inefficiency and waste within the supply chain, the partnership has enabled us to make progress towards our sustainability targets and create more sustainable supply chain.  This is good for our teams, communities, and customers.”

Since 2019, GXO and Greene King have reduced carbon intensity (gCO2e/km), thanks to a combination of technology and behavioural change. Key initiatives include:

• A structured driver performance management system, which improved fuel efficiency (MPG) by over 10% in 2024 alone
• Investment in Eco Drive hydro-electric refrigeration technology, reducing fuel use by 2–4% since 2022
• Over the last 3 years, the companies have installed strip and air curtains in refrigerated trailers, cutting energy consumption by up to 50% during deliveries

The companies have also trialled biodiesel, HVO, and electric vehicles – including using waste oil from pubs to power vehicles – which can potentially reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.

By utilizing GXO’s reverse logistics capabilities and improving material quality, the partnership reduced weekly waste collections, eliminating over 160,000 journeys annually.

In 2024, GXO and Greene King recycled:

• Over 2.7 million litres of used cooking oil
• More than 4,000 tonnes of cardboard
• 250+ tonnes of metal
• 55+ tonnes of plastic
• 9,000+ tonnes of food waste sent to anaerobic digestion

In 2024, Greene King also expanded its recycling efforts to include ink cartridges, batteries, correx boards, and crushed glass in London.

Beyond recycling, the partnership also prioritised food redistribution. Over 90% of excess food at depots was donated to charities such as The Bread and Butter Thing and The Felix Project, resulting in an estimated 240,000 meals donated in 2024.

The annual Tub2Pub campaign further demonstrated community impact by encouraging the public to recycle confectionery tubs at Greene King pubs. The initiative collected over 240,000 tubs and raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The recycled plastic was repurposed into furniture, creating a circular economy model that benefits both people and the planet.

Second runway at Gatwick will drive growth, says Logistics UK

Date: September 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Logistics UK supports transport secretary Heidi Alexander’s decision to approve plans for a second runway at Gatwick Airport. Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman explains why it will help drive growth across the economy:

“Gatwick is currently the busiest single runway airport in Europe and modifying the existing standby runway to develop a fully operational second runway, is a practical and efficient way to increase capacity. 

“Almost two thirds of the UK’s air cargo moves in passenger aircraft, sitting underneath seats in the bellyhold, and can make the difference between a profitable and a non-profitable route for a passenger airline.  This type of freight also tends to be high-value, time-sensitive goods such as manufacturing components and pharmaceuticals so is essential to keep the UK trading and supply chains moving. 

“By increasing passenger services, it is highly likely this will also provide increased air cargo, with some reports suggesting air cargo tonnage could double, helping address the significant shortage of air cargo capacity in the South East and boosting the economy by making international connections for UK businesses even easier.

“It is also important to recognise that innovation in aviation is moving at pace. Airspace modernisation, aircraft design and sustainable aviation fuel mean the sector is moving towards cleaner and quieter skies while driving economic growth across the whole economy.”

CMA CGM announces the acquisition of Freightliner UK Intermodal Logistics

Date: September 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The CMA CGM Group has announced the acquisition of Freightliner in the United Kingdom. The transaction encompasses rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.

This acquisition underlines CMA CGM’s ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. By adding a long-standing name in UK rail freight, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the modal shift from road to rail – a cornerstone of decarbonising global supply chains.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to the required regulatory approvals. Other Freightliner businesses – Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany – will remain under existing ownership.

Freightliner operations will remain focused on its multi-user and multi-customer approach, and will be run independently with existing teams who have proven their expertise and dedication.

Rail freight is a major lever for reducing CO₂ emissions. With Freightliner UK’s expertise and know-how, CMA CGM will further strengthen its ability to offer European customers, seamless and integrated intermodal solutions including transport and terminal operations.

The addition of Freightliner opens the way to significant enhanced-value offerings: developing comprehensive intermodal offerings combining maritime, rail, and road; enhancing connectivity between Europe’s major ports and the UK hinterland through strategically located inland terminals; and driving shared innovation in decarbonized logistics solutions.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said:

“The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”

Commenting on the divestment, Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, said:

“This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership. The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies. Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”

P&O Ferries powers a cleaner future with the North Sea’s first biofuel ferry

Date: September 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

P&O Ferries has made history on the North Sea, with its vessel, the Pride of Hull, becoming the first ferry on the busy Hull–Rotterdam route to permanently run on lower-carbon biofuel. Following a successful trial, the vessel is now running entirely on Biofuel B30 – a milestone in P&O Ferries’ journey to cut emissions across its fleet.

The announcement coincides with the UN’s Global Goals Week, an annual rallying point for action and accountability around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By rolling out biofuels on one of Europe’s largest ferries, P&O Ferries advances UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water) – demonstrating how ambitious goals can be translated into practical progress.

At 215 metres long, Pride of Hull carries up to 1,360 passengers and 400 freight vehicles on the busy Hull–Rotterdam corridor, a critical trade and travel link between the UK and Europe. Now, with the transition to Biofuel B30, the ferry is cutting lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% compared with traditional marine fuel, while maintaining the reliability of services.

The transition directly supports compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into force in January 2025 and requires ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to progressively reduce their greenhouse gas intensity.

Stewart Hayes, Fleet Director for P&O Ferries, said:

“Global Goals Week is about turning ambition into action. This transition shows that meaningful emissions reductions are possible today – even on one of the largest ferries in Europe. By adopting biofuels, we’re helping our freight and passenger customers meet their climate goals while making journeys and supply chains cleaner. It’s another step towards our ambition for a more sustainable future for ferry travel and trade, part of DP World’s wider commitment to cut emissions by 42% by 2030. Our shared goal exceeds European standards to limit global temperature rise.”

Following consultation with engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and leading fuel suppliers, biofuel b30 was selected as the most practical transitional fuel – reducing emissions without the need for costly vessel conversions. Alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia would require significant engine modifications or replacements.

The move builds on P&O Ferries’ carbon savings of over 135,000 tonnes in recent years through hybrid ship deployment and fleet optimisation. Now monitoring the Pride of Hull’s performance on biofuels, P&O Ferries continues to lead in providing practical, scalable solutions for decarbonising maritime trade.