Sustainability in air and sea freight

Targeting a sustainable future of Air & Sea transport together

On the road to climate neutrality, we are working on a variety of sustainable solutions. In land transport, we are increasingly turning to alternative propulsion systems powered by hydrogen, electricity, or natural gas. In air and sea freight, sustainable fuels also represent a relevant and viable alternative to fossil fuels for powering commercial aircrafts and container ships, with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Calculating Emissions at a Shipment Level

Gebrüder Weiss calculates the CO2 emissions (WTW) with the help of EcoTransIT. The calculation takes into account pre-carriage, main carriage and onward carriage, as well as the specific modes of transportation.

2. Well to Wheel

The common abbreviation "WTW" or "Well to Wheel" refers to the CO2 emissions from the source of raw materials to the operation of the means of transportation.

3. Sustainable Solutions

For air and sea freight, it is possible to use sustainable fuels. We offer numerous routes in cooperation with selected partner airlines and freight forwarders.

3.1. Sustainable Aviatation Fuel (SAF) & Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) are aviation and marine fuels produced from non-fossil feedstocks. The use of these fuels reduces CO2 emissions by 80% in air freight and 90% in sea freight compared to conventional fuels.

3.2. Airfreight using SAF

Depending on the airline, additional costs per kilogram are currently charged for transportation with SAF and the associated CO2 reduction. As your partner, we will be happy to provide you with a quote for the amount of CO2 you wish to offset.

The sustainable fuel SAF cannot yet be used on all routes or applied at 100%. For the desired CO2 offsetting, the required offsetting quantity will therefore be divided between corresponding or alternatively several routes.

From 2025, a minimum of 2% SAF must be blended with conventional kerosene, increasing to 63% by 2050.

3.3. Seafreight using SMF

There is an additional cost per TEU for the use of SMF that varies depending on the shipping route and distance.

We are happy to look at your sustainable transportation needs and provide you with a quote for the amount of CO2 you wish to save.

The sustainable fuel SMF cannot yet be used on all routes and applied at 100%. For the desired CO2 offsetting, the required offsetting quantity is therefore divided over corresponding or alternatively several routes.

4. zero emissions

With zero emissions, you have the option of completely offsetting the CO2 emissions of your shipment. You can find more detailed information here.

4.1. Voluntary Compensation for CO2 Emissions

Emissions caused in one place can be offset by savings in another, more distant place as the climate does not differentiate where exactly greenhouse gases are emitted or avoided.Therefore, it is a good idea to create your own carbon footprint by determining the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by specific processes, companies, or services. 

4.2. How can I offset CO2 emissions?

You can book your air and sea freight shipments with us CO2-neutral and receive a corresponding certificate from us either every six months or every year. The calculation method for CO2 emissions is based on EcoTransIT and complies with the European standard DIN EN 16258 and GLEC.

Want to learn more? Download our Air & Sea sustainability brochure

Air & Sea News at Gebrüder Weiss

Any questions? We are happy to help.