Maersk and Unilever are expanding their sustainability efforts by introducing electric vehicles (EVs) into logistics operations in Saudi Arabia. This initiative forms part of a broader push to decarbonise supply chains and achieve ambitious climate targets.
The collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the national strategy aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s economy, society, and infrastructure with sustainability at its core. Both companies maintain global environmental goals: Maersk aims for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, while Unilever targets net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2039.
Scaling Low-Emission Logistics Across Saudi Arabia
Maersk operates a global logistics network, with low-emission trucking initiatives in markets including the US, Chile, China, and India. Its net-zero roadmap combines new vessel deployment, lower-emission fuels, and EV rollout for ground transportation.
In Saudi Arabia, Maersk and Unilever are deploying an electric van to support retail logistics for the BinDawood Group, a key Unilever partner. The van will cover a 50km radius and travel up to 3,500km per month, reducing operational emissions while fulfilling Unilever’s retail logistics needs.
Ahmed Elesseily, Managing Director at Maersk Saudi Arabia, explains:
“As electric vehicle technology advances and charging infrastructure expands across Saudi Arabia, we see more opportunities to deploy emission-free trucks instead of diesel units. Partnering with forward-thinking customers like Unilever helps decarbonise logistics while creating value across the supply chain.”
Unilever’s Sustainability Agenda
For Unilever, reducing logistics-related emissions is central to its sustainability agenda. The company plans to cut these emissions by 50% by 2030 and adopts complementary practices such as solar-powered warehousing and intermodal transport.
Additionally, Maersk and Unilever jointly operate a fulfilment centre at Maersk’s Logistics Park in Jeddah, achieving a 5% emissions reduction. The 64,000sqm rooftop solar plant, ammonia-based cooling, and seawater systems further enhance the facility’s environmental performance.
Supporting National Sustainability Priorities
Saudi Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy, cut national carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually, and increase renewable energy’s share to 50%. By integrating EVs and clean logistics technologies, Maersk and Unilever contribute to these objectives while showcasing practical commercial decarbonisation.
Ahmed Kadous, VP of Customer Operations at Unilever, adds:
“This is the first van deployment in our Saudi fleet. Combined with solar-powered charging, the electric van reduces emissions by 100% compared to conventional trucks. It strengthens sustainability, supports Saudi Vision 2030, and delivers greater value to our customers.”
Building Future-Ready Supply Chains
Maersk’s decarbonisation strategy includes alternative fuels, electrification, and energy-efficient facilities. Unilever continues to embed sustainability from regenerative agriculture to renewable energy in manufacturing and warehousing.
The partnership provides a blueprint for supply chain leaders to achieve environmental targets through collaboration. With aligned goals and strategies, Maersk and Unilever demonstrate that decarbonising logistics is both an environmental imperative and a strategic business advantage, improving efficiency and customer value across the supply chain.