Kuehne+Nagel’s Deep Dive into Transition Strategies for Sustainable Logistics event at COP28

“I promised a different sort of COP. A COP that brought everyone together – private and public… civil society and faith leaders, youth and indigenous people. Everyone came together from day one. Everyone united, acted and delivered,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President, in his event closing speech.

Indeed, COP28 delivered. Hundreds if not thousands of meaningful discussions and plenary sessions took place over 14 days of COP28. Politicians, scientists, students, and members of the public gathered to actively participate and contribute to voicing opinions and challenging the status quo. Formats varied, but the message was united and strong: to transition away from fossil fuels to reach net zero.

Kuehne+Nagel, a Freight Forwarding and Logistics Partner of COP28 and a leader in providing sustainable logistics solutions, played a vital role in the event. Electric trucks and forklifts were used for COP28 deliveries within the UAE, and for international shipments, the customers had options to offset their carbon footprint through the Book and Claim solution.

While successfully delivering the operational side of COP28, on December 8th, Kuehne+Nagel hosted a debate on Transition Strategies for Sustainable Logistics to facilitate an exchange of know-how and to lead the example of engaging with all supply chain stakeholders over one goal – to secure a brighter, healthier future.

Christine Wiederkehr, Global Head of Sustainability at Kuehne+Nagel, welcomed the audience of over 150 members of the public. Her keynote on Emission Reduction Strategy provided valuable insights into the organization’s plea to decarbonize the industry, fulfill SBTi emission reduction targets, and reduce the percentage of global emissions caused by trade-related freight transport (currently at 8%). “Since I joined the company two months ago, I realized that sustainability is not just a slogan for Kuehne+Nagel; their every move is dedicated to achieving better, more sustainable results. We share the same belief embedded in our DNA,” said Christine Wiederkehr. “To drive the change in the industry, collaboration with all actors along the supply chain is key,” she added.

Just like COP, Kuehne+Nagel recognises the strength of collaboration and partnerships. In the panel discussion moderated by Kim Winter, Logistics Executive, panelist Cristiano Façanha, Director of Road Freight Electrification at Smart Freight Center, Otto Schacht, Advisor to Kuehne+Nagel and Kuehne Foundation, and Patrick Schuster, Global Head Road Logistics Strategy and Sales Development at Kuehne+Nagel agreed that to build a sustainable and resilient supply chain, all stakeholders must act together in a goal-aligned and united way, guided by the correct principles.

“Many stakeholders need to be in tune to decarbonise logistics at the pace the world needs. For Road Logistics, we are talking about grid operators, charging infrastructure providers, OEMs, policymakers, logistics service providers... to name the most notable ones. One cannot move if the other stands still. Who will order electric trucks if they cannot be charged? And why would OEMs then ramp up production? We need to talk with each other and work together to make progress. The Smart Freight Centre has been an excellent forum for us to do that,” said Patrick Schuster.

Numerous projects executed by Kuehne+Nagel bring instant change and improve the quality of life for the local communities. Wind and solar farms supply clean, renewable energy without burning fossil fuels and emitting harmful emissions. “Energy transition projects are executed by people and for people – to remove pollutants and emissions from the equation and simply secure the healthier environment,” said Philipp Luehrs, Senior Vice President, Project Logistics, the Middle East and Africa for Kuehne+Nagel during his speech. He enchanted the public by showing how energy transition projects influence the region and explained why it is necessary to decarbonise the industries.

The last discussion sparked a lively debate: five panelists took the public on a journey to the future of air logistics. Azim Norazmi, Manager Climate Policy, Sustainability & Economics - Policy & Standards at IATA; Beatrice Cassou, Commercial Director Asia at Titan and Atlas Group Sustainability Advisor; Michiel Potjer, Chief of Staff to EVP AFKLMP Cargo at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, Daniel Randig, Senior Vice President, Air Logistics – MEA; and Fabiano Piccinno, Global Head of Sustainability, Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel debated on how to scale up available solutions, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and if net zero is possible in aviation.

All speakers agreed that regulatory bodies must actively guide the stakeholders and be empowered to mandate the transition from fossil fuels. Air freight must be handled efficiently and without energy loss, whether carried on cargo flights or in the belly of a passenger aircraft. Materials, from wrapping to paletts, must be of a sustainable origin and should be later re-used or recycled. Better route planning, load control, aircraft maintenance, and airport infrastructure – all elements contribute to sustainable air logistics.

"The collaboration is essential to reach the ambitious goals. On November 28th, Kuehne+Nagel delivered shipment transport on the world’s first transatlantic, 100% SAF-powered flight. Together with the commercial airline, we proved that SAF is a reliable and safe substitute for fossil-derived jet fuel,” commented Daniel Randig.

COP28 closed the sessions on December 12th after two intense weeks. Now, it is time to turn discussions into tangible actions, deliver on the promises, and prepare to report the results during COP29 in Azerbaijan.