Developing a ‘Future-Proofed’ Sustainability Strategy
As the world’s largest container shipping company, Maersk Line transports more than 15 percent of all shipped containers. In an industry that transports more than a third of the value of global trade—and accounts for about 4 percent of the world’s carbon emissions—Maersk Line has a tremendous economic, social, and environmental footprint. Facing pressure to reduce the company’s environmental and social impacts, Maersk Line leaders viewed this challenge as an opportunity to offer customers a value proposition on sustainability that could not be matched by competitors. Company leaders asked BSR to help develop a “future-proofed” sustainability strategy.
Internal Review and Current State
Through interviews with executive management, regional leaders, and sustainability professionals, BSR gathered details about Maersk Line’s corporate objectives, strategy, business model, and existing sustainability efforts. This work clarified company strengths and weaknesses and defined key drivers for the company’s sustainability performance. We discovered that Maersk Line lacked a comprehensive approach to working on and communicating about sustainability, which made it difficult for company managers to establish a business case for new programs.
External Review and Future State
Next, we built a set of future trends such as “hypertransparency,” regulated carbon, and resource constraints that business leaders would need to consider in strategic planning for the next seven to 10 years. We then tested these trends with employees and management teams to ensure a global perspective and identify specific regional challenges. Together with consultations with the company’s major customers and key industry stakeholders.
Build Vision and Strategy
Moovit helped Maersk Line define a strong sustainability vision supported by objectives such as reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2020 and striving for zero sulfur-dioxide emissions. This strategy will raise the bar for sustainability in the industry.
