The website Carbonpositive reports that the giant shipping company, Maersk, is reducing its consumption of fossil fuel (bunker fuel) by cutting travel speeds. Maersk is one of the main transport companies for New Zealand exports.

According to the article (www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=2278) Maersk reports that between 2007 and 2010  it reduced its CO2 emissions per container by 14.5% by improving operational efficiency, most particularly by slow steaming.  The company has set itself the target for reducing CO2 emissions by 25% per container moved by 2020 compared to 2007 levels.

This has implications implications for New Zealand.  Fonterra exports 95% of its milk to nearly 150 countries.  Maersk provided the logistics of getting NZ milk from point A to point B.  By achieving (and setting) significant CO2 reductions  in transport, it means that the environmental impact of our dairy products is reduced.  It also sets a standard that Fonterra can aspire to.  Wouldn't it be great If Fonterra would set itself the standard of reducing the carbon footprint of each container load of dairy product from cow to container!  It would be a source of pride for all of us.