Wallenius Wilhelmsen has introduced its updated Sustainable Financing Framework 2025, marking a key milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible operations. Building on the foundation set by the original 2022 framework, which aimed for a 27.5% reduction in carbon intensity from 2019 to 2030, the new framework strengthens the company’s ambition of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
These ambitious targets have received validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative, ensuring they align with the latest climate science and meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.
Transitioning to a fossil-free future presents significant challenges, yet it is essential for tackling climate change. Achieving net-zero emissions requires investment in cutting-edge technologies, the development of new infrastructure, the adoption of low-carbon fuels, energy-efficient operations, and strong partnerships. While the costs associated with reaching net zero are substantial, they pale in comparison to the far greater costs of inaction, says Lasse Kristoffersen, CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
The updated framework outlines Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s approach to raising capital through a variety of financing mechanisms, including green bonds, loans, derivatives, and sustainability-linked bonds and loans.
“We plan to direct our green financing towards the construction of new dual-fuel capable vessels that meet the EU Taxonomy standards. We are closely monitoring the evolving taxonomy to ensure ongoing compliance,” Kristoffersen explains.
For sustainability-linked instruments, the framework introduces three key performance indicators (KPIs):
- Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator
- Absolute Scope 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Logistics Operations
- Absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the Group
These instruments will feature pricing clauses linked to Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s 2040 net-zero target and annual emission reduction trajectory. The company will also provide annual progress reports on its sustainability goals.
The shift from fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives is expected to be the largest driver of emissions reductions from the 2022 baseline to 2040. This transition will be complemented by significant technological and operational enhancements to the current fleet, as well as efficiency gains from new vessels. Together, these efforts are crucial for meeting the company’s emission reduction objectives.
“Decarbonization represents one of the greatest opportunities of our time. Through our enhanced green and sustainability-linked financing framework, we invite our investors and stakeholders to join us in our journey towards a net-zero future,” says Kristoffersen.
The new framework is fully aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles issued by the International Capital Market Association, as well as the Green Loan Principles and Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles outlined by the Loan Market Association. Wallenius Wilhelmsen has also enlisted S&P Global Ratings to provide an independent opinion on the framework.
The full framework and accompanying second-party opinion are available on the company’s Investor Relations page under Sustainable Finance. This initiative reaffirms Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its financial strategy, underscoring its leadership in sustainable operations.
