Roland Berger and Westwell have jointly released the Freight Logistics Decarbonization Whitepaper: LEAD the green wave, bring the DEEP impact, which provides practical solutions and a guide to action for the net-zero transformation of the logistics industry.
Under the severe challenge of global climate change, the green and carbon-reducing transformation of the logistics industry, as one of the major sources of carbon emissions, is particularly urgent. Especially with the deepening of globalization, the logistics industry, as a link between production and consumption, is under double pressure from the government and the market.
The government's policy "push" requires companies to respond positively to reduce carbon emissions. For example, as a pioneer in the global decarbonization process, Europe has issued a series of guidelines and policies such as Fit for 55, aiming to reduce carbon emissions of cars by 55%, trucks by 50%, and vans and buses by 45%, and will introduce more regulations to reduce air pollutants from road vehicles.
Meanwhile, the market's demand "pull" prompts customers to set higher environmental standards for logistics services. An online survey conducted by the world's leading integrated freight logistics company found that more than half of the corporate customers surveyed in six major markets (the U.S., Germany, the U.K., China, India, and Brazil) believe that the adoption of green freight logistics transportation products will be a successful strategy for attracting customers over the next decade.
At the same time, investors and global freight logistics providers have injected strong momentum into the green transformation of the industry by developing carbon reduction plans and participating in carbon trading.
Consequently, against this backdrop, the Whitepaper combines Roland Berger's extensive experience as a global strategic management consulting firm with Westwell's business practices in the field of driverless heavy trucks and logistics systems. Specifically, Roland Berger leverages its strong internal network and global knowledge base to provide the Whitepaper with a macro-strategic vision and in-depth industry insights, identifying key nodes and potential opportunities for green carbon reduction. On the other hand, Westwell contributes practical cases and concrete methodologies to the Whitepaper with its rich business practices.
From EqualOcean's perspective, this Whitepaper, as an important reference for green carbon reduction in the logistics industry, is not only authoritative and forward-looking but also a key force in promoting the sustainable development of the logistics industry. It deeply analyzes the green carbon reduction path for the freight logistics industry, providing a clear direction for transformation and action guidelines for logistics enterprises, and helping the logistics industry take solid steps on the road to green carbon reduction. At the same time, EqualOcean believes that enterprises and organizations that have read this Whitepaper will be more proactive in joining the green carbon reduction movement, jointly promoting the sustainable development of the logistics industry, and contributing to the response to global climate change.
This Whitepaper proposes a seaport decarbonization methodology: LEAD the green wave, bring the DEEP impact, aiming to gradually promote carbon reduction in the freight logistics industry through phased implementation. The methodology takes digitization as the cornerstone, covering three stages: electrification transformation, digital upgrading, and global interconnection transformation, forming a complete set of decarbonization paths.
EqualOcean asserts that this methodology will have a significant impact and far-reaching influence on the freight logistics industry, which not only provides a clear carbon reduction path and economic value-added opportunities for the industry but also promotes the intelligent upgrading and resource sharing of the industry, laying a solid foundation for the realization of green and efficient logistics operations.
To be specific, in the first phase - "E" (Electrification), the Whitepaper focuses on transforming the energy utilization method of equipment from diesel-driven to electric-driven. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also reduces operating costs through lower energy costs and economies of scale in the supply chain. The Port of Hamburg, a successful case that has made sustainability a central part of its strategy, aims to become carbon neutral by 2040 through the introduction of electrical work equipment, proving the feasibility and economic benefits of this phase. Besides, since 2017, the Seaport of Long Beach has announced several seaport decarbonization initiatives to achieve net-zero goals, including the famous Clean Trucks Initiative, which reduces total truck emissions by more than 80 percent over five years.
Moving on to the second phase - “A” (AI-driven intelligence), the Whitepaper proposes the goal of further reducing carbon emissions and improving the working environment through intelligent technologies. Reduce energy consumption and costs by introducing intelligent management systems that optimize energy use and operational efficiency. In this phase, Westwell could provide a full range of solutions to improve the efficiency of container handling and operational stability in ports. For example, the seaport of Laem Chabang has introduced electric trucks and intelligent systems from Westwell to help save energy costs and optimize the driver's experience. Moreover, Felixstowe Seaport in the UK has been able to reduce CO2 emissions through an integrated intelligent management system for truck fleets and energy management.
Subsequently, in the third phase - "L" (Linked ecosystem), the Whitepaper proposes the concept of building an interconnected ecosystem. By integrating decentralized systems, equipment, energy, information, and materials, it improves overall efficiency and sustainability. For example, intelligent interconnection of all elements at the seaport of Tianjin, China, supports the realization of DEEP impacts. DEEP refers to "D" (Decarbonization), "E" (Economically friendly), "E" (Environment friendly), and "P" (People friendly values), which together constitute a complete framework for the green transformation of the freight logistics industry.
In addition to the seaport freight logistics scenario, the Whitepaper also demonstrates how the LEAD methodology could be applied in various scenarios, including decarbonizing air cargo ground logistics, manufacturing centers, and road freight. For instance, it is mentioned in the Whitepaper that air cargo logistics, as a core business of the aviation industry, could draw from the carbon reduction methods used by the seaport industry. However, it still encounters unique challenges, such as stringent safety requirements, the adaptability of new ground service vehicles, and flexibility in scheduling plans. Westwell could offer tailored solutions to address these challenges. Furthermore, the manufacturing hubs also play an important role in the green decarbonization of the entire logistics system, as they directly affect the efficiency of logistics and serve as a link between manufacturing and logistics. Similarly, the LEAD methodology could be adapted to this scenario. As a leading company in the industry with a wealth of practical experience, Westwell is equipped with the ability to open up a wide range of business opportunities and could help brands realize their business visions in the large market of carbon reduction and improved operational efficiency.
Evidently, the core of the LEAD methodology lies in its flexibility and operability, which can be optimized and tailored to the needs of different scenarios to ensure the applicability and effectiveness of the solutions.
As the first Whitepaper on freight logistics covering multiple logistics nodes, EqualOcean considers it a landmark in the industry. It comprehensive and forward-looking perspective makes the Whitepaper more instructive in driving the green transformation of the entire logistics industry. Through this Whitepaper, readers will be able to understand more clearly the challenges and opportunities faced by the freight logistics industry in the green transformation process, and how to address these challenges and seize opportunities through the LEAD methodology.
Ultimately, in EqualOcean's opinion, by sharing the leading methodology and practical experience, as well as taking the lead in releasing the Freight Logistics Decarbonization Whitepaper: LEAD the green wave, bring the DEEP impact, Westwell has undoubtedly set a new benchmark in the industry and provided valuable reference for the industry as a whole. This not only highlights Westwell's sense of social responsibility and mission, but also reflects its long-term vision and strategic thinking towards the sustainable development of the industry.
In response to the growing demand for decarbonization, freight logistics enterprises are now standing at a new starting point. With innovative solutions powered by smart technologies and led by advanced methods such as LEAD, enterprises and organizations could not only significantly reduce carbon emissions, but also jointly create a new era of greener, net-zero emissions logistics!
Visit Westwell's website for more details on the whitepaper: https://en.westwell-lab.com/.