HMM reduces CO2 emission more than half in last 10 years

South Korea's No. 1 container line HMM Co. announced on Wednesday that it has achieved a remarkable 57.7% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during the container transportation process over the past ten years.

HMM's internal analysis revealed that the CO2 emissions per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) for 1 kilometer decreased from 68.7 g in 2010 to 29.05 g in 2021. During the same period, the company's container ship capacity more than doubled from 337,407 TEUs to 755,209 TEUs.

HMM's success is attributed to several measures it implemented to improve efficiency. The company has been using premium anti-fouling paint to reduce hull resistance, changed the shape of the front of the ship to a form suitable for the speed of operation, and strengthened operational technology that optimizes routes, speed, and cargo loading.

In 2020, HMM also established a comprehensive situation room for ships in Korea to analyze the operational efficiency of ships and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, HMM has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, joining other global shipping companies in this initiative. The company has taken a significant step toward this goal by ordering nine 9,000 TEU-class eco-friendly container ships that use methanol as fuel, further increasing its eco-friendly commitment.

"We will continue to pursue greenhouse gas reduction activities through scientific analysis and data-based efficiency improvement," said an HMM official. "We aim to strengthen its eco-friendly sector and become a leading global shipping company." 

Write to Jae-Fu Kim at fu@hankyung.com