Peterson presents on decarbonisation at ADIPEC

Peterson’s Head of Consultancy, Ruaridh Hamilton, recently spoke at ADIPEC about our experience in accelerating decarbonisation across the offshore energy supply chain – highlighting the ways in which our innovative, industry-leading sustainable practices enhance competitiveness and how regional collaboration can drive greater progress across the Middle East.

“Freight and warehousing logistics contribute around 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions (McKinsey), and the marine sector has both the responsibility and opportunity to lead the transition through collaboration, innovation, and technology.

“At Peterson, we’re demonstrating that sustainability enhances – not compromises – operational performance. Through digitalisation, pooling, and the decarbonisation of assets, we’re supporting our customers to achieve measurable emission reductions and more efficient, cost-effective logistics.

“The Middle East is advancing rapidly toward net zero, with frameworks such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050 driving real progress. Across the region, we see growing demand for smarter, cleaner, more connected logistics. Our experience in the North Sea, where shared vessel pools have achieved up to 36% emission reductions, provides a proven blueprint. We’ve already applied this model in the Middle East, creating joint logistics operations that have delivered $18 million in savings and 28% OPEX reductions annually, showing how collaboration accelerates both sustainability and efficiency.

“Peterson’s decarbonisation journey began in 2017, with a goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 6% by 2022. We surpassed that goal, achieving a 39% cut in energy consumption and a 47% reduction in emissions, and became one of the first logistics companies to achieve ISO 14068 carbon neutrality accreditation in April 2025 – a powerful tool in making the transition to net zero. Within our own operations we have implemented a range of measures including powering our buildings through renewables electricity contracts, electrifying our operational fleet of vehicles, using HVO100 fuel where electrification has not been possible, local procurement prioritisation, waste reduction, and employee engagement. By decarbonising our own operations, we provide a proven pathway for others to follow.

“Our proprietary technology suite, Lighthouse – developed and used by Peterson’s logistics experts who have processed around 10m tonnes of cargo through the system in the past 13 years – gives end-to-end visibility across the logistics chain, optimising transport, port, and vessel operations. For a client in the Middle East, Lighthouse delivered a 20% reduction in fleet size and a 22% CO₂ reduction – equivalent to 8,900 tonnes annually – through better planning, utilisation, and efficiency. Now with AI agent solutions enabled to analyse robust data sets and provide recommendations, customers are making informed decisions about decarbonisation, efficiencies, operational priorities, and strategic developments.

“Pooling and shared logistics models are also proven enablers of carbon reduction. Our Southern North Sea (SNS) Pool consolidates vessel operations across nine operators, cutting emissions by over a third. We’re also investing in cleaner fuels, and half of our fleet now runs on HVO100 – known as renewable diesel, made from renewable resources like used cooking oils, animal fats, and non-food grade crops – cutting lifecycle emissions by up to 90%. Trials using XBEE enzyme fuel additives have shown 10-15% reductions in fuel use and up to 18% cuts in NOx emissions, results now being replicated in the Middle East’s offshore and industrial sectors.

“Our consultancy services combine global best practice with local insight to help clients decarbonise their logistics. In one recent Middle East project, we helped a major operator achieve a 32% cut in logistics costs and a 22% reduction in emissions by redesigning and digitising their supply chain using Lighthouse.

“Decarbonisation in logistics isn’t just an environmental imperative – it’s a driver of performance, resilience, and growth. The Middle East’s commitment to sustainability, paired with its pace of innovation, makes it one of the most exciting regions for energy transition.

“Our commitment to decarbonisation is more than strategy – it’s how we build a sustainable, successful future for the global energy sector.”