Episode 23: The Catalyst Series | How ShipZero Is Driving Data-Driven Freight Decarbonization

Episode 22: The Catalyst Series | How ShipZero Is Driving Data-Driven Freight Decarbonization

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At the Smart Freight Centre US Fall Meeting in Seattle, Christoph Wolff sat down with Tobias Bohnhoff, CEO and co-founder of shipzero, to explore one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — levers in freight decarbonization: data.

While many discussions focus on fuels, vehicles, or infrastructure, shipzero operates on the data side of the transition. Their mission is simple but powerful: enable decarbonization by improving decision-making. By helping logistics service providers (LSPs), carriers, and shippers build reliable emissions accounting systems aligned with frameworks such as the Smart Freight Centre’s GLEC Framework, shipzero provides the foundation for credible climate action.

From Data Collection to Decarbonization
The conversation highlights a common challenge: most organizations spend 70–80% of their early efforts just collecting, cleaning, and structuring data. Without a reliable “ground truth,” meaningful decisions cannot follow.

Once data systems mature, companies can move toward higher-impact use cases:
  • Green freight procurement
  • Scope 3 target management
  • Science-based decarbonization pathways
  • Market-based measures such as Book and Claim
Primary vs. Modeled Data: A False Dichotomy?
Tobias addresses the ongoing debate around primary versus modeled data. While shipzero advocates strongly for energy-based primary data where feasible, scaling across global supply chains still requires modeling. The key, he argues, is clarity: understanding what kind of “primary” data you are truly using and how credible it is.

The Book and Claim Opportunity
Market-based measures are emerging as an essential scaling tool. Tobias shares practical examples of:
  • Logistics providers using HVO and offering differentiated green freight products
  • Shippers allocating climate budgets to accelerate Scope 3 reductions
At the heart of Girteka’s strategy is a realistic, operational approach to fleet innovation – driven by data, efficiency, and a deep understanding of driver behavior and logistics flows.

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