Port of Dover hails ‘milestone moment’ of reaching net zero emissions in 2025

The Port of Dover achieved carbon net zero emissions in 2025 ahead of its target.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025, from company-owned sources and purchased energy, fell by 98.3% compared to 2007, which was externally verified in line with internationally recognised greenhouse gas audits.

The company said this achievement was at least five years ahead of any other UK port and 25 years ahead of the UK government’s maritime target.

This was achieved through initiatives such as using sustainably sourced hydro-treated vegetable oil for machinery, installing 1.5MW of on-site solar generation, making energy efficiency improvements such as purchasing renewable electricity, LED lighting and heating controls and offsetting residual emissions through a local regenerative farming scheme

Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: “We are proud to be celebrating this milestone moment, which has seen our carbon emissions reduce drastically from nearly 14,000 tonnes 18 years ago.

“Since setting our goal four years ago, people from across the Port have all contributed to this incredible result.  Our brilliant in-house environment team has implemented modern and forward-thinking assets, sustainable processes and progressive behaviours across all areas of the Port to get here.

“This has then given us the tools for our customers, partners and internal stakeholders to follow.”

He said the port would “not stop here”, adding: “We want Dover to be a global leader, putting the UK on the global stage as home to the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor here on the Short Straits.

“This sustainability drive is an essential part of our Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.”

Port of Dover head of cruise Peter Wright said: “As a major homeporting and transit destination with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business.

“The cruise industry is at the forefront of efforts to build sustainability in the wider maritime sector, so I’m proud that in achieving this milestone, we are setting an example to the Port community and showcasing our strong partnerships with cruise lines by making a difference together.” 

He highlighted other environmental initiatives started by the Port of Dover included improvements in waste management and CO2 emissions by cruise lines and its Safety and Environment Awareness Awards which have now entered their ninth year.

Wright added: “We will continue to move forward with our Masterplan to 2050, and through this, empower our cruise lines to help us lead a sustainable pathway for success in the future.”