Inditex, the parent company behind brands like Zara, has signed a collaboration with the Danish shipping giant Maersk to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of maritime transportation. The agreement centers on incorporating alternative fuels along all import routes with Maersk, aligning with Inditex’s broader sustainability agenda. [Citation: Inditex Maersk collaboration details]
Under Maersk’s ECO Ocean Delivery Program, fossil fuels are being replaced with certified alternatives such as green methanol and waste-based second-generation biodiesel. Early estimates indicate emissions reductions of more than 80 percent per liter when compared with conventional fuels, underscoring the potential impact of switching to greener propulsion options. [Citation: ECO Ocean Delivery emissions data]
The ECO Delivery Ocean Program presents customers with the option to move freight using certified green fuel at a fixed cost. Emission reductions are verified through an independently audited certificate, providing transparent accountability. In time, these transport routes are expected to receive exemptions from charges within the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS). [Citation: Verification and ETS context]
Representatives from both companies emphasized the significance of innovative partnerships in tackling climate change. The collaboration is seen as a practical step toward cutting shipping emissions and advancing toward net zero goals. A senior Inditex official highlighted that the company intends to allocate 100 percent of incoming sea cargo to Maersk’s ECO Delivery product, ensuring a meaningful decrease in greenhouse gas emissions attributable to green fuels. The sentiment was echoed by a Maersk executive who underscored the environmental benefits of the alliance. [Citation: Statements from Inditex and Maersk executives]
Market feedback for the ECO Delivery product has been strong, with demand for lower-GHG options growing as more customers seek to address Scope 3 emissions. The program is already being adopted by several shippers who view it as a premium, credible solution for decarbonizing maritime logistics. [Citation: Market demand insights]
Both Inditex and Maersk have set ambitious targets to reach net zero across all business areas by 2040. Beyond coastal freight, Inditex is exploring multimodal transport options, and joint efforts with Maersk, RENFE, and Cepsa are part of a pilot project for a new rail solution in southern Spain. This collaboration aims to demonstrate the role of integrated transport networks in achieving aggressive decarbonization milestones for both companies. [Citation: Net zero targets and rail pilot]