DSV and Google Cloud partner on sustainable aviation fuel
The pilot agreement will secure up to 9.7 million litres of SAF and support the use of lower-emission fuels in air freight operations.
DSV has partnered with Google Cloud to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the technology company's air freight shipments, with the agreement expected to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e compared with conventional jet fuel.
The pilot agreement will secure up to 9.7 million litres (2.5 million US gallons) of SAF for a key route used by Google Cloud's air freight shipments. The collaboration will also lay the groundwork for wider sustainability initiatives between the two companies.
The SAF used in the programme is produced from waste and residue materials. According to DSV, the fuel reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 85% compared with conventional fossil jet fuel.
DSV and Google Cloud will use a book-and-claim method for the programme. This allows the emissions reductions to be allocated to Google Cloud, regardless of where the fuel is physically used.
Frank Sobotka, CEO of DSV's Air & Sea Division, said the partnership would help customers find practical ways to reduce emissions from the goods they transport. He added that the agreement would turn Google Cloud's sustainability goals into measurable results in air freight.
Brian Stewart, Senior Director, Logistics at Google Cloud, said the collaboration builds on the company's efforts to reduce emissions across its global logistics operations. He added that the use of SAF provides a transparent way to address air freight emissions while supporting demand for lower-carbon fuels.
DSV said the SAF would be produced exclusively from waste and residue materials, excluding palm and palm-derived materials. The fuel is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme.
The environmental benefits will be recorded through the independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate Registry (SAFc Registry), supported by DSV's internal tracking system.
Each tonne of CO₂e emissions reduction will be allocated to a specific shipper to prevent double-counting and provide a record for Google Cloud's emissions reporting.
DSV said agreements of this kind could encourage greater investment in sustainable aviation fuels and support the transition towards lower-emission air freight.