Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel Use Book-and-Claim to Cut Ocean Freight Emissions

Hapag-Lloyd and Kuehne+Nagel, two of the world's largest shipping and logistics providers, have partnered to implement a 'book-and-claim' model designed to reduce ocean freight emissions. This market-based mechanism allows shippers to claim emissions credits from sustainable fuels without requiring physical segregation of cargo, creating a scalable pathway to decarbonization across global ocean freight networks. The book-and-claim approach represents a pragmatic middle ground in maritime sustainability.

Rather than waiting for complete fleet conversion to alternative fuels—a capital-intensive, multi-decade transition—carriers can blend sustainable fuels with conventional bunker at ports and issue verified emissions reduction credits to customers. This model accelerates environmental impact while maintaining operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness during the energy transition. For supply chain professionals, this development signals accelerating carbon accountability in ocean freight.

Major shippers increasingly face pressure from customers, regulators, and sustainability commitments to document and reduce Scope 3 emissions. The participation of industry giants legitimizes the book-and-claim framework and suggests broader adoption is likely, making it a strategic consideration for procurement and logistics planners managing decarbonization roadmaps.