Ship It Zero score retailers and carriers from A to F in Decarbonization Report Card

Ship It Zero, a campaign led by an alliance of environmental organisations aiming to move the world’s largest retail companies to 100% zero-emission ocean shipping, have released their first report card, marking retailers and carriers on their commitment to zero emissions.

The report evaluates the companies on three criteria: ‘End Port Pollution’, ‘Abandon Dirty Ships’ and ‘Put Zero at the Helm’ and, in traditional fashion, marks them from A to F.

There is a America hue to the 18 retailers covered but suffice it to say that 14 of them scored F, with CostCo managing an F-.

Of the four who avoided an F, thee of them (Amazon, H&M and Nike) only managed a D. Top of the class were IKEA with a B+: ‘Ship It Zero applauds IKEA on its ambition and leadership in reducing air and greenhouse gas emissions from its ocean and land transportation’

Many of the retailers, the report points out, are not even quantifying Scope 3 emissions, of which shipping is obviously a huge part.

The deeper analysis of CostCo’s failings pulls no punches: ‘Costco has largely failed to address its air pollution emissions. Port and coastal neighborhoods are predominantly black and brown communities, and bear the greatest pollution burdens from corporate inaction to address emissions. Costco has not taken steps to quantify its criteria air pollution (nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide) footprint, nor has it made any commitments to reduce these emissions.’

The ten carriers fared slightly better, with only four of them failing completely. Maersk ranked best with a B:  ‘APM-Maersk has committed to carbon neutrality by 2040 with strong interim targets. The company invests in green newbuilds, green fuel contracts, and green shipping corridor development. APM-Maersk provides a clear pathway to their zero emissions transition.’

Most carriers, it finds, have only committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, too long a timeframe to avoid catastrophe, and are reliant on ‘false’ solutions like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and scrubbers.

Kendra Ulrich, Shipping Campaigns Director for Stand.earth said: ‘Our report card clearly shows that, while some retailers and cargo carriers have made progress, there’s still a long way to go. Decarbonising the shipping industry is urgent and we are putting retailers and their cargo carriers on notice. We urge companies to commit to achieving 100% zero-emission, fossil-free ocean shipping by 2030 to ensure a healthier, cleaner tomorrow for our communities and our climate.’