A pioneering carbon inset trial rewarding cargo owners for sustainable freight has been extended.

The project, called Carbon Inset Programme, was first launched in January by DP World, which operates at Southampton port.

It has now been extended beyond its initial six-month trial after more than 150,000 import containers were registered.

The first of its kind worldwide, the scheme gives cargo owners 50kg worth of CO2e carbon credits for every loaded import container that passes through DP World's UK terminals.

This helps companies reduce Scope 3 emissions in their supply chains by incentivising the use of cleaner fuels and efficient transport methods.

John Trenchard, vice president at DP World UK, said: "DP World is committed to providing our customers pragmatic solutions to help them meet their sustainability goals and our innovative Carbon Inset Programme is doing just that."

DP World aims to reduce emissions by 42 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050.