EMEA News
Retailer Reduces Emissions, Spending with Short-Sea Shipping
UK-based retailer Tesco Plc says it is making greater use of short-sea shipping as it seeks to reduce emissions and save money.
In one case, the company said, it shifted distribution of general merchandise from Poland to Middlesbrough, England from road transport to a sea route, cutting road travel by more than 80 percent and saving €300,000 ($418,000) per year.
The shift was part of a company-wide program that has increased the use of rail and marine transportation and reduced road transport, earning Tesco a recent award from the Carbon Trust.
The company cut carbon emissions per case delivered by 14 percent in the UK over the past two years, after a 50 percent reduction between 2006 and 2012 achieved through technological and logistical improvements.
"It is fantastic to have been recognised by industry for the hard work we have done to reduce our impact on the environment," said Steve Strachota, distribution director for the UK and Ireland.
"We've made more use of sea and rail travel, and made sure delivery lorries are as full as possible before they set off.
"And we have introduced cutting-edge technology, like aerodynamic trailers and dual-fuel vehicles."
Strachota said Tesco is working to become a zero-carbon business by 2050 through improvements that benefit both the environment and the company's efficiency.
"Freight transport is one of the largest contributors to the UK's direct greenhouse gas emissions, so it is great to see Tesco using its scale for good by setting an example on how environmental impact can be reduced at the same time as making their business more efficient," said Myles McCarthy, director of implementation at the Carbon Trust.
UK shipping players have been seeking support to help them remain competitive against road transportation as new emissions regulations increase their costs.
