DSV and Google Cloud have entered into a pilot agreement to reduce the environmental impact of air freight through increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The partnership is projected to achieve a reduction of 25,000 tons of CO2e in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional jet fuel.

Under the agreement, DSV will source up to 9.7 million litres (2.5 million US gallons) of SAF for a key route serving Google Cloud’s air freight shipments. The initiative is also meant to set the stage for broader sustainability collaboration between the two companies, in addition to the first programme.

The fuel used in the programme is manufactured solely from waste and residue materials. DSV says it can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by up to 85% compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel.

The two partners will use a book-and-claim approach to distribute environmental benefits. This mechanism allows Google Cloud to receive credit for the emissions reductions associated with the SAF, regardless of where the fuel is delivered and consumed.

Frank Sobotka, CEO of DSV’s Air & Sea Division, emphasised the need for practical solutions to help customers reduce emissions in their transport operations. “This partnership will help turn Google Cloud’s sustainability ambitions into tangible progress in the air freight sector,” he said.

The initiative is another step in reducing the environmental footprint of Google Cloud’s worldwide logistics operations. “SAF provides a clear path to tackle emissions from air freight, while helping meet the rising demand for lower-carbon aviation fuels,” said Brian Stewart, Senior Director, Logistics at Google Cloud.

The agreement also specifies sustainability and traceability requirements for fuel production. DSV confirmed that the SAF will be produced only from waste and residue feedstocks and that palm oil and palm-derived materials will be specifically excluded. The fuel is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme.

Environmental performance and emissions reductions will be recorded in addition to DSV’s own tracking system by the independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate Registry (SAFc Registry).

A dedicated allocation mechanism will guaranty that each individual shipper is allocated a specific amount of tons of CO₂e emissions avoided. This approach is intended to avoid double counting and to give Google Cloud a traceable record to support its emissions reporting.

DSV sees agreements like this as playing an important role in encouraging investment in sustainable aviation fuel production. The partnership aims to help accelerate broader progress towards lower-emission air freight operations by creating additional demand for SAF and developing clear systems for the verification of emissions reductions.