Frequently asked questions
Here, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about Samskip’s sustainability practices, goals, and initiatives. Whether you’re curious about our environmental targets, corporate policies, or future projects this page offers clear insights into our ongoing efforts. Click on the arrow to view an answer to a question you want to see. If you cannot find an answer to your question you are always welcomed to contact one of our experts sustainability@samskip.com
Samskips sustainability commitments
Samskip set itself ambitious goals that will make a positive impact on the environment, our people, and the communities we operate in, all while ensuring high-quality service to our customers. These goals are divided into three overarching objectives:
1. Decrease the carbon intensity of our activities
2. Create and offer low-to-zero emission freight transportation services
3. Build a company culture that promotes and celebrates sustainability
On these three objectives, we have specified nine key sustainability targets, of which the 2030 and Net-Zero in 2040 climate targets are validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative.
Through its ambitious sustainability targets, Samskip pushes itself and its value chain to keep improving on environmental, social, and governance topics. Our most material impacts are made in Environment, where we have invested heavily in an energy efficient multimodal network, that utilizes electric trains, inland shipping, shortsea vessels and trucks to reduce door-to-door carbon emissions. On top of that, Samskip has been pioneering the usage of biofuels both at sea and on the road. But more is needed to reach our targets – this is why Samskip is introducing the world’s first Hydrogen-powered short-sea container vessels: the Samskip SeaShuttles. To drive awareness and share knowledge,
we also organize meetings such as the annual Samskip Sustainability Day, to share best practices across the industry.
Samskip is known for its innovative and pioneering mindset. We are, and have been, one of the key driving factors behind the modal shift in Europe: pushing for more efficient transport routes by integrating different modalities into our network. On top of that, Samskip has been at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Samskip showed courage and, for instance, invested in LNG early on, had the first vessel in our industry sailing on 100% biofuels, is pioneering with carbon capture technology, and most recently with the world’s first hydrogen-powered shortsea container vessels.
Samskip’s multimodal network combines rail, sea, and barge transport to reduce reliance on road freight. This cuts costs, improves efficiency, and lowers emissions significantly (up to 80%). This approach makes our logistics network more sustainable and resilient compared to traditional road-focused transport.
Sustainability is one of the core strategic pillars at Samskip. We believe that by putting sustainability at the core of the company, we can create impactful change. Sustainability is not achieved in a board room, but by colleagues putting it to practice in their daily work.
At Samskip, we believe that change is made through collaboration. Because when it comes to sustainability – we’re all working towards the same goals. Our direct
emissions are the indirect emissions of our customers. That means that when we improve, our customers improve with us. That is why Samskip emphasizes collaboration throughout all its sustainability initiatives. With our innovative FlexFuel program, for instance, customers can opt-in for more sustainable fuels and create impactful change today. For more information, please reach out to our sales or sustainability representatives.
Sustainability Goals and Targets
Samskip has already achieved a 10% reduction in total emissions in 2023 compared to our 2020 baseline year. We have also set targets to meet a 50% reduction by 2030 and to be Net-Zero by 2040. The 2030 (Near-Term) and 2040 (Long-Term) targets are both validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative.
Yes, Samskip’s Near-Term and Long-Term targets are fully audited and verified by the SBTi. You can find Samskip on the SBTi’s “Companies Taking Action” web page.
Carbon Footprint calculations and reporting
We utilize both the GHG Protocol Framework and the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework which is the industry standard for carbon accounting.
On top of our efficient Multimodal Network Samskip is investing in several initiatives to reduce our GHG emissions including:
• Biofuels for both vessels and trucks
• Hydrogen-powered vessels (under construction)
• E-trucks
• Shore-power for vessels
• Carbon Capture Technology
Yes, Samskip provides shipment-level CO2 emission reporting through its carbon footprint calculator, available on the customer portal, providing our customers with clear insights into their environmental impact of their transport. Want to reduce the impact? We offer alternative fuels through our FlexFuel program, reach out to our sales or sustainability representatives for more info.
Awards and Acknowledgments
Samskip is proud to have been awarded the highest rank in EcoVadis over 2024: The Platinum medal. EcoVadis is the world leading organization for sustainability ratings, and evaluates our company annually on a wide range of sustainability topics. Then, it compares it to our industry peers. In 2024, EcoVadis found that Samskip can call itself Top 1% within this peer group.
Memberships and Certifications
Yes, Samskip is ISO:14001 and ISO9001 certified to support the quality of our management systems.
We’re proud to be active members of four key industry organizations (KVNR, UK Chamber of Shipping, UIRR, Smart Freight Center). Staying connected to the broader logistics and shipping community helps us stay sharp, informed, and ready to deliver the best for our customers.
Alternative Energy and Emission free Vehicles
Samskip aims to implement alternative fuels sources that are proven to help reduce our operational emissions. These sources include:
• LNG: utilized in 2/21 vessels
• Marine Biofuels: 5/21 vessels
• HVO 100 Biofuels: Mixed, on customer request.
• Hydrogen: In 2026, Samskip we will welcome its two hydrogen-powered SeaShuttles, which will replace traditional fossil fuel vessels.
Compliance and Regulations
We keep a close on eye on the changing regulations and integrate them into our operations. We invest in cleaner and more sustainable technologies, maintain strict environmental standards across our network, and work proactively with industry partners and authorities to stay ahead of evolving requirements. Our teams closely monitor the legislative landscape to ensure compliance at all times.
Samskip is preparing for compliance to multiple sustainability-related compliance projects. These include the CSRD, CSRDD, EU Taxonomy, FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS. Read our latest sustainability report to learn more about the work we are doing to stay complaint and use these projects to improve our sustainability strategy.
Supply Chain
We work closely with its suppliers to align sustainable operations by using strict selection criteria, regular audits, and a Supplier Code of Conduct focused on environmental, social, and ethical standards. Additionally, by tracking suppliers’ progress through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) questionnaire, helping ensure that sustainability is a shared responsibility across the entire value chain.
