Cutting carbon emissions in cold chain transport

As part of our ongoing commitment to innovative and sustainable transport solutions, Blue Water is introducing a new generation of electric reefer trailers. This step marks a tangible move toward more sustainable logistics, as we test how electric and hybrid refrigeration technologies can reduce the environmental impact of transporting temperature-sensitive cargo in road transport. 

The new fleet covers both fully electric trailers as well as hybrid electric trailers. The fully electric trailers will operate on shorter domestic routes, primarily within Denmark and northern Germany, where conditions favour electric operation. The hybrid models will be tested in the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain - markets where higher summer temperatures can demand more intensive cooling performance.

These trials will help identify which transport routes and conditions best suit each trailer type, paving the way for informed decisions on further investments in electric and hybrid trailers for Blue Water in 2026 and 2027.

“Over the next few years, the Blue Water Reefer Road division will be transforming its approach to temperature-controlled logistics in Europe by committing to sustainability and innovation. With our new fleet of electric and hybrid trailers, we are actively transitioning to a more environmentally friendly fleet and reducing our CO2 footprint. This initiative reduces emissions while maintaining our high standards for cold chain reliability, earning strong feedback from both customers and drivers”, explains Rene Busekist Ohlsen, Senior Vice President Transport & Logistics, Reefer Road.

Blue Water’s transformation is guided by the Science-Based Targets initiative: a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 51.6% reduction in scope 3 emissions intensity by 2030. These goals are embedded in our broader ESG strategy, which aligns with the EU’s CSRD framework. 

“As we scale up the deployment of low-emission Krone trailers and deepen collaboration across the cold chain, we are building a logistics model that is resilient, future-ready and aligned with the expectations of our customers, partners and society. Our Reefer terminal in Padborg has also been transformed and now partly provided with electricity via solar panels for cooling down the warehouse”, adds Rene Busekist Ohlsen.