On the road to zero, Maersk, the global integrated logistics leader, and Unilever, the consumer goods giant are joining hands to launch the first electric truck in Saudi Arabia. This landmark initiative is a significant milestone in the decarbonization journey of logistics operations in the Kingdom and will to achieving the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons per year and to increase the reliance on renewable energy 50 percent.

The launch of the electric truck is said to be just the beginning of a much broader transition. The two companies plan to expand the application of electric across all their operations in Saudi Arabia and explore more innovative solutions, including solar-powered warehouses and intermodal solutions.

The e-truck will be dedicated to serving of Unilever’s key retail partners, the BinDawood Group, with a service radius of 50 km and a monthly mileage of up to 3,50 km. This follows a previous success between Unilever and Maersk in consolidating warehouses into a single distribution center located in Maersk’s Logistics Park Jeddah, a move that has already delivered a 5 percent reduction in carbon emissions. This emission reduction was made possible by the Park’s robust sustainable infrastructure, including 64,000-square-meter rooftop solar power plant and advanced cooling systems using natural refrigerants (ammonia) and seawater (as opposed toable water).

Currently, Maersk provides low-emission trucking solutions in more than 14 countries around the world, including China, India, United States, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and several European countries. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its entire supply chain by 2040 through technologies, alternative energy solutions, and close collaboration with customers and suppliers. Unilever, meanwhile, has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 239 and is implementing measures to reduce up to 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in its logistics network by 2030. The transition to electric vehicles is a pillar of this strategy and further underlines the commitment of Maersk and Unilever to building a more sustainable future