In this Article we talk about Toyota and Ford Join UECC’s Sail for Change Program: Driving Sustainability in Vehicle Transport. In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Toyota and Ford have officially signed up for United European Car Carriers’ (UECC) Sail for Change program. This initiative aims to utilize bioLNG-powered vessels for vehicle transportation across Europe, promising a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As global attention shifts toward sustainability, the two automotive giants are demonstrating their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, and a third unnamed automaker has also joined this forward-thinking initiative.
What is UECC’s Sail for Change Program?
The Sail for Change program, launched by UECC in June, offers car manufacturers an opportunity to ship their vehicles using vessels powered by renewable fuels. This program aims to reduce the carbon emissions generated by traditional transport methods, aligning with the FuelEU Maritime regulations and promoting a cleaner shipping industry.
Why Toyota and Ford Signed Up for the Sail for Change Program
Both Toyota and Ford have long been advocates for environmental responsibility. By participating in the Sail for Change initiative, these companies are making a decisive move toward lowering their scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions related to the wider supply chain. The use of bioLNG significantly cuts carbon emissions, a crucial factor for automakers that are increasingly accountable under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
BioLNG
BioLNG is an alternative fuel derived from organic materials, and its usage in UECC vessels is a pioneering step in the automotive shipping industry. By choosing this fuel, Toyota and Ford are reducing the overall emissions associated with their supply chains, contributing to global sustainability goals.
What Does the Sail for Change Program Entail?
1. Introduction of Multi-Fuel LNG Battery Hybrid PCTCs
One of the key pillars of the Sail for Change program is UECC’s multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carriers). These vessels use both LNG (liquefied natural gas) and bioLNG as fuel sources, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With five such vessels already in operation, UECC is leading the charge in reducing emissions in vehicle transport.
2. Bunkering of BioLNG at Zeebrugge Port
As part of the program, UECC has partnered with Titan Clean Fuels to facilitate the bunkering of ISCC-EU certified bioLNG at the Port of Zeebrugge. This ensures a steady supply of renewable fuel for the vessels, further enhancing the sustainability of the shipping process.
Environmental Impact of the Sail for Change Program
1. Reducing Emissions by 80,000 Tonnes
UECC estimates that by switching to bioLNG, the total emissions of Toyota and Ford’s transport operations could be reduced by up to 80,000 tonnes annually. This reduction accounts for more than one-third of UECC’s global scope 1 emissions, which are emissions directly produced by ship operations.
2. Meeting FuelEU Maritime Standards
The FuelEU Maritime regulation, set to take effect next year, mandates that the GHG intensity of fuels used by ships will decrease gradually over time, with an 80% reduction targeted by 2050. UECC has already positioned itself to exceed these requirements with its bioLNG-fueled fleet.
3. Reducing Costs Under the EU Emissions Trading System
By reducing their carbon emissions, Toyota and Ford will also benefit financially. The EU ETS requires companies to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions, and lowering these emissions will reduce their overall costs.
Toyota and Ford’s Commitment to Sustainability
Both Toyota and Ford have long-standing commitments to reducing their environmental impact. Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, while Ford has similar goals. The Sail for Change initiative is a significant step toward achieving these goals, with both companies recognizing the importance of transitioning to low-carbon fuels.
Scope 1 and Scope 3 Emissions
Understanding the terminology of emissions is critical. Scope 1 emissions are those generated directly by a company during its operations, such as fuel used by company-owned vehicles or manufacturing processes. Scope 3 emissions, on the other hand, are indirect emissions that occur across a company’s supply chain, including shipping and transportation. By joining the Sail for Change program, Toyota and Ford are targeting reductions in both of these categories.
Toyota and Ford Sign Up to UECC’s Sail for Change Program
By joining UECC’s Sail for Change, Toyota and Ford are playing a pivotal role in driving the shift toward more sustainable vehicle transportation across Europe. This move will not only enhance their sustainability credentials but will also help prepare for stricter future environmental regulations.
How Will the Sail for Change Program Evolve?
1. Expansion of Green Gas Month
The first initiative under the Sail for Change banner was the launch of Green Gas Month in July, during which UECC deployed bioLNG on all five of its vessels. The success of this initiative has led UECC to extend the program beyond July, with plans to scale it up in the future.
2. Growing Industry Interest in BioLNG
With a growing demand for low-carbon fuels, it’s likely that more automotive companies will join Toyota and Ford in adopting bioLNG as a primary fuel source for vehicle transportation.
3. Scaling the Program for Future Years
As UECC continues to innovate, there are plans to expand the Sail for Change program, allowing more companies to participate in the initiative and contribute to reducing global carbon emissions.
The collaboration between Toyota, Ford, and UECC‘s Sail for Change program is a bold step toward reducing emissions in the vehicle transport sector. By embracing bioLNG, these automotive giants are not only complying with future regulations but are leading the way toward a more sustainable future in shipping.
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FAQs
What is the Sail for Change Program?
The Sail for Change program is a sustainability initiative by UECC that encourages carmakers to use renewable fuel-powered vessels for transporting their vehicles, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How does bioLNG reduce emissions?
BioLNG is a renewable fuel derived from organic materials, and its use significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
What is Green Gas Month?
Green Gas Month is an initiative under the Sail for Change program, during which UECC uses bioLNG on all five of its vessels to further promote the use of renewable fuels.
What are scope 1 and scope 3 emissions?
Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions produced by a company, while scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions generated across its supply chain.