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Maersk Group has announced that it has reduced its impact on the environment with a drop of 9 percent in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2008 compared to the previous year. This represents a fall of 5 million tonnes, which is said to have been mainly achieved through lower fuel consumption by its ships.

Maersk said the positive trend is continuing in 2009 in line with the Group’s new environmental strategy, which was decided last year and is now being implemented throughout its various business units.

The significant CO2 reduction is one of the main results in the “Health, Safety, Security and Environment Report 2008” – a report, which the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group has published for the second consecutive year.

“We have taken many important initiatives in 2008 and we firmly believe they will enhance improvements in our performance in coming years,” says Head of Group HSSE, Joseph Nazareth.

“Especially on the environment I am pleased to say we have made progress. In the economic downturn we remain committed to improving our impact on the environment and climate,” added Nazareth.

The Group’s transport segment, dominated by the container business in Maersk Line, is responsible for more than 90 percent of the Group’s fuel consumption.

Because of optimised usage of energy, the transport segment saw a drop of 8 percent in fuel consumption despite increased business activity.

"These achievements come as a result of the Group’s work with the new environmental strategy. By pursuing a high level of energy efficiency, the strategy works simultaneously to the benefit of the environment and the businesses, where this creates economic value and competitiveness," Maersk said in a statement.