White goods manufacturer Electrolux has joined a project aimed at improving the environmental footprint of the maritime part of its supply chain.
The Swedish firm is working with liner company Hamburg Süd, which transports its cargo, on a pilot project to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxides from ships when in port.
Hamburg Süd ships will switch from heavy fuel oil to marine gas oil during port layovers as part of the project. The first stage has already taken place at the Port of Iquique, Chile, where Hamburg Süd’s containership, Santa Clara, switched from HFO to MGO due to its lower sulphur content.
Although the costs are higher for both companies, they are making the value-added chain more sustainable says Hamburg Sud.
Under metrics and tools of the Clean Cargo Working Group, which initially suggested the project, Electrolux has been working continuously to improve the environmental performance across its supply chain.
According to Electrolux, integrating environmental issues into its business processes is part of its vision and values. It sees it as a necessary prerogative, with the project supporting the listed-company’s CSR Pact, which aims to improve sustainability performance and inspire other initiatives within the shipping industry.
Additionally the company says in its press statement that it also expects suppliers and customers to push the agenda. Despite the increase in fuel costs, Electrolux supports Hamburg Süd’s use of MGO fuel to lower the emissions of SOx in port.
According to Electrolux, 95% of SOx emissions will be saved by doing so. Electrolux says that reducing emissions and improving performance is part of its sustainability framework. Particularly in ports where regulations are lacking.
Previous collaboration with companies like Maersk to tackle emissions in the container shipping sector indicate a proactive approach to emissions reductions. To date Electrolux says that it has reduced carbon emissions by 35% but seeks further reductions in SOx.
Electrolux’s environmental strategies extend beyond emissions reductions. In February this year, the company partnered with remanufacturing company Norsk Ombruk to ensure that more than 2,000 major appliances are sold to consumers instead of sent to the scrapheap, indicating a more sustainable approach to resource use.
Following the initial switch at the Chilean port, plans are in place to extend to other ports in Chile, Mexico and Peru.
Fathom-News
editor@fathom-mi.com
