Sailing towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future
At WEC Lines, sustainability isn’t a project or a policy — it’s a way of working. Every day, we connect businesses across Europe and Africa, mostly by sea: one of the most CO₂-efficient ways to move cargo. And we continue to look for practical ways to improve how we operate — step by step.
That means using more efficient routes, offering intermodal options like rail and barge, exploring cleaner fuels such as biofuel, and working towards compliance with new regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). But above all, it means staying future-focused while keeping our operations strong and our people involved.
By working efficiently, working together, and caring about the bigger picture, we move cargo — and make an impact — every day.
Sustainability at WEC Lines is anchored in three key principles
How we operate: Practical solutions, built into every shipment
We make sustainability work through everyday decisions. We optimise our routes and ship cargo in a reliable, efficient way — by sea where possible, and often combined with rail or barge, to keep the cargo off the road. Our vessels are being upgraded with fuel-saving technologies and future-ready features as part of a long-term retrofit programme. Our vessels affect the world and the communities we pass through. That’s why we’re committed to protecting what truly matters: the wellbeing of people and the planet.
How we empower: The people who make the difference
At WEC Lines, it’s our people who keep everything moving — from vessels and containers to relationships and ideas. Across departments and locations, they work with dedication, skill and heart. We believe sustainability only works when it’s shared across the organisation. That’s why we’re building a culture where everyone feels involved — not just in the outcome, but in shaping the journey. Because real impact doesn’t come from policy alone — it comes from people who believe in what they do.
Future-proof: Turning regulation into opportunity
New EU and IMO regulations are changing the way our industry operates — from carbon intensity targets (CII) and FuelEU Maritime requirements to the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and mandatory sustainability reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). At WEC Lines, we see these frameworks not as obstacles, but as tools to strengthen our business. By preparing early, aligning with long-term goals, and using clear data, we stay in control and build trust and stay resilient.
Goals and commitments
Since 2019, we have been working towards a net zero GHG emissions in our global operations. We are committed to achieving net zero emissions across our value chain in 2050.
In support of these goals and our vision for a transition to a zero-carbon economy and a healthier planet for all, we have identified additional objectives and commitments.
- Reduce carbon intensity of the fleet by < 40% by 2025 by investigating alternative fuels and adopting energy-efficient technologies
- First net-zero fuel capable vessel in service by 2030
- Long-term measures to reduce the fleet’s carbon intensity by <70% by 2045
- Positively impact the communities and environment where we operate and expect supply chain partners to uphold high human rights and environmental standards.
Highlights
Leading the way
We will meet the highest standards in environment, social, and governance (ESG) reporting with our compliance to the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) in 2025 – two years ahead of the deadline! This legislation is both complex and valuable — it challenges us to improve the way we collect, verify and report sustainability data. That’s why we’ve chosen to start early and build up the right experience and insight.
Retrofitting our vessels
We are optimizing our vessels with a retrofit programme to be completed by end 2025:
- Biofuel is already in use (on request)
- Bulbous Bow and propeller renewals for updated speed profile
- Main Engine adjustment for adjusting RPM within updated speed profile
- Shore power to cut emissions in port
- Silicon anti-fouling to cut fuel consumption
- Hybrid Scrubber installation for Sox exhaust gas cleaning
- Real-time consumption and emission tracking
Many more successes in our goal towards a sustainable future
- Established important strategic partnerships for future fuels
- Optimized operations through advanced weather routing & transparent emissions reporting (EEXI and CII)
- Collaborate with our clients in reducing the global greenhouse gases in compliance with the Fuel EU and EU ETS legislation
- Participated in MSC’s 2023 Sustainability Report as member of the MSC group (link)
- Contribute to global ocean health monitoring as a partner of the world’s longest-running marine ecological survey (link)
- Earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal: ranking among the top 5% companies in sustainability performance (link)
Calculate your carbon footprint
See how we can help bring down your carbon footprint when shipping your cargo. Contact Elisa Dellebeke, Sustainability Officer, at: sustainability@weclines.com.
