We are investing in solutions to capture carbon through technology and nature

PILLAR 4

Carbon Capture

We are investing in solutions to capture carbon through technology and nature.

While we are eager to see newer, cleaner fuels introduced to the shipping industry, the coming years will likely still have a significant percentage of hydrocarbon fuels in use. When burning these fuels, we’re proactively exploring ways to capture the emitted CO₂.

We are investing in carbon capture through technological solutions as well as nature-based solutions. Some of these projects can be done on board the ship, whilst others are shore based. These various carbon capture initiatives will play an important role in helping us to achieve our bold commitment to offset 100% of our scope 1 emissions by 2025 at the latest.

Carbon Capture & Storage

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies are designed to capture carbon emissions from the exhaust gases — storing the carbon in liquid or solid form and in some cases used as a raw material in other applications. This technology is fast-evolving and is under development for land-based industries.

We are optimistic that this space will develop quickly, given the global focus on CCS technology. To stay abreast of the latest trends and development in CCS, Berge Bulk is proactively engaged in early-stage CCS solutions and in constant conversation with a network of CCS leaders.

Planting 25 Million Trees

In partnership with various global tree planting organisations, Berge Bulk has committed to planting at least 25 million trees by 2026. In total, these trees are expected to remove over 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over the course of 25 years.

One ecosystem that is particularly important for preserving and protecting the natural environment is the mangrove forest:

Mangrove Forests — Vital ecosystems

Most of the 25 million trees that we have pledged to plant will be native species mangrove trees. With the highest carbon density of all terrestrial ecosystems, mangroves absorb approximately 400% more carbon than mature tropical forests. Mangrove forests — made up of trees growing in the tidal waters of coastal wetlands where the land and sea meet — play several critical roles in tropical and subtropical regions and providing livelihoods to coastal communities.

In partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects and other reputable global organisations the project has already commenced, with over 9.6 million trees planted by the end of 2022.

Another such project that Berge Bulk is committed to focuses on capturing carbon through planting fruit and nut trees in Morocco:

Fruit and Nut Trees — Sustainable agriculture

Berge Bulk has pledged to sponsor the planting of 8.5 million trees to support farmers in Morocco. Tree seedlings — a diverse range of native trees such as almond, fig, pomegranate, lemon and carob — are grown in nurseries and, once matured, the saplings are sold at an affordable price to farmers around the country. The growing, harvesting, processing and selling cycle is a powerful way to support sustainable agricultural development whilst tackling the challenges of climate change and sustained loss of biodiversity.

In partnership with High Atlas Foundation the project is well underway. The 8.5 million trees will contribute greatly to Berge Bulks’ 25 million target, whilst prioritising biodiversity and resilient food systems for many communities in the region.

Building a Global Portfolio of Carbon Credits

In a hard-to-abate sector like shipping, we believe that carbon mitigation projects play a critical role alongside our aggressive efforts to decarbonise our operations.

We have built a global portfolio of carbon credits from projects in places that are closest to the hearts of our customers and colleagues: Brazil, Australia, India, China, Philippines, Indonesia, and beyond.

Our carbon credit portfolio includes projects to plant new trees and protect against deforestation; projects that produce renewable energy; and projects that work with low-income communities to reduce emissions in their way of life.

Offering Clients Carbon Offset Delivery

For the past two years, Berge Bulk has been running our Carbon Offset Delivery programme, offering customers a simple and effective way to offset the CO₂ emissions of their cargo delivery.

Through this programme, we offset the carbon emissions of the voyage with high-grade carbon credits. Upon completing the voyage, we issue customers a certificate of retirement as evidence that the corresponding number of carbon credits have been retired to offset the voyage emissions. Follow the link here to learn more about our Carbon Offset Delivery programme.

Offsetting Our Emissions

As we ramp up to our commitment to offset 100% of our scope 1 emissions by 2025, we have already started to offset a portion of our annual carbon footprint on a voluntary basis. We also offset 100% of our scope 2 emissions from office electricity, and 100% of our scope 3 emissions from air travel of our ship crew and shore team.