LONDON - March 22, 2021 - SailGP today announced Kuehne+Nagel as its official logistics partner for the next three seasons, through 2024. Both partners aim to set a new standard for major event logistics, minimizing the carbon footprint of the sail racing league's transport within their climate positive strategy. As part of its Net Zero Carbon program, Kuehne+Nagel is also pursuing its own goal of being completely CO2 neutral by 2030, including transport emissions from its suppliers (Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
Kuehne+Nagel will work with SailGP to support the global logistics of its multi-continent race calendar with industry-leading sustainable shipping methods including alternative fuels. In addition, Kuehne+Nagel gives the league full visibility on all shipping-related emissions through its Seaexplorer platform. The tool will enable SailGP to select more efficient transport routes for future seasons that emit substantially less carbon. For the shipping emissions that can’t be removed or reduced, Kuehne+Nagel will offset the remaining carbon footprint via verified gold standard offsets. Combined, the measures will ensure a 100 percent CO2 neutral supply chain.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “Our approach to partnerships starts with wanting to work with like-minded organizations that share our vision and align with our values and goals. Kuehne+Nagel is the perfect example of this; they are innovators and leaders in their industry. Our global platform enables us to work together to identify and test innovations that could inspire new sustainability standards for logistics in the events industry and showcase how suppliers can take responsibility for the carbon footprint of their services – as well as help us to come closer to our own goal of being fully powered by nature by 2025.”
Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, said: "The Kuehne+Nagel teams in the SailGP event locations are more than delighted to provide logistical support to SailGP at every sail grand prix around the globe. Our partnership is based on the same mindset of caring for the future of our planet. We at Kuehne+Nagel are committed to providing environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain solutions – also in the events logistics industry."
IMG Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Nathan Pillai, who sourced the deal, added: “This deal underscores the growing importance of purpose-led partnerships. SailGP’s commitment to accelerating environmental and social transformation as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property is resonating with brands who want to play an active role in protecting the world’s future. Together, SailGP and Kuehne+Nagel will redefine event logistics through sustainability.”
Find out more about SailGP’s Race for the Future here.