Volvo Takes a Stand Against Maritime Pollution with Renewable Fuel
Private transportation has long been recognized as a major contributor to global emissions. However, it is not just cars and trucks that are responsible for polluting the environment. The ships that transport vehicles across the globe also emit a significant amount of CO2. In an effort to combat this issue, Volvo has made a groundbreaking commitment to switch its maritime logistics from traditional fuel to a renewable alternative.
Volvo, a leading automaker known for its commitment to sustainability, announced today that it is the first company to make the switch to renewable fuel for its shipping operations. By doing so, Volvo expects to reduce its CO2 emissions by 55,000 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to 84 percent of its emissions from fossil fuels. To put this into perspective, this reduction is comparable to the lifetime emissions of 1,250 XC40 Recharge vehicles using the EU-28 electricity mix.
Javier Varela, Volvo’s Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO, emphasizes that renewable fuel is just the beginning of the company’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in ocean freight. He states, “Renewable fuel is not the end game for removing CO2 from the world’s ocean freight needs. Yet this initiative shows that we can act now and implement solutions that achieve significant results during the wait for long-term technological alternatives.”
To make this switch possible, Volvo collaborated with its shipping partners to encourage them to use Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) in their ships. FAME is primarily derived from waste cooking oil and does not involve the use of palm oil or palm oil production. This sustainable fuel will be used in ships transporting production materials to Volvo’s plants in Europe and the Americas, as well as in ships distributing spare parts worldwide.
In cases where renewable fuel is not available for a specific shipment, Volvo will allocate its share of the fuel to a different ship, regardless of whether it is carrying Volvo cargo. This way, the company can at least offset the fuel used by its ships.
This latest initiative is part of Volvo’s broader goal to reduce the lifetime carbon footprint of its vehicles by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025. By taking a proactive approach to sustainability, Volvo hopes to inspire other automakers to follow suit and adopt renewable fuel for their maritime logistics.
Javier Varela emphasizes that Volvo does not view this initiative as a competitive advantage. On the contrary, the company aims to encourage other carmakers to take action and increase demand for carbon-efficient ocean transports. By establishing renewable fuels as a mid-term solution, Volvo believes that the industry as a whole can make a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions.
“We all have a responsibility to act,” says Javier Varela. This sentiment reflects Volvo’s commitment to sustainability and its belief that every company should play a role in protecting the environment.
In conclusion, Volvo’s decision to switch to renewable fuel for its maritime logistics is a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions in the shipping industry. By collaborating with its shipping partners and using FAME derived from waste cooking oil, Volvo expects to save 55,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The company’s commitment to sustainability serves as an inspiration for other automakers to prioritize carbon-efficient ocean transports and establish renewable fuels as a viable solution. With collective action, the industry can work towards a greener future and mitigate the environmental impact of maritime transportation.