In the chemicals industry, logistics is a major contributor to emissions and a growing source of operational risk. Transporting raw materials and finished products across land, sea and sky forms the backbone of the supply chain. But in 2025, overreliance on single routes, chokepoints at major ports and geopolitical friction have exposed just how fragile—and emissions-intensive—chemical logistics can be. According to Deloitte, around 75 percent of the average chemical company’s carbon footprint comes from value chain emissions, much of it linked to transport.
These pressures aren’t theoretical—they’re disrupting daily operations. “Disruptions, once rare events, now occur every two to three months, such as the Red Sea crisis and tariff-related container scrambles,” said Chee Foong Wan, CEO, PSA BDP. “The world is increasingly polarized, and we’ve seen heightened demand for trade compliance and supply chain restructuring advice.” In an industry built on precision and timing, that’s not a delay—it’s a breakdown.
Smart Logistics
To meet these challenges, technology — and particularly AI — is emerging as a two-pronged solution: helping to reduce emissions and improve the flexibility and efficiency of global logistics systems. Uber Freight, for example, is leveraging AI algorithms within its platform to optimize transport. These systems consolidate shipments heading to similar destinations, reducing the number of trucks on the road. In doing so, they cut fuel use and lower costs, delivering clear wins for both efficiency and emissions.
“We’ve launched an Emissions Dashboard using the GLEC Foundation’s methodology to calculate carbon outputs. Shippers can track emissions in real time and identify opportunities to convert modes, like switching from truck to intermodal, significantly reducing carbon footprints,” said Jeff Brasier, VP of Client Engagement at Uber Freight. PSA BDP is pursuing a parallel approach, having developed carbon emissions tracking tools that provide emissions data, which enable customers to monitor environmental impact. “We focus on multi-modal solutions, integrating air, sea, land and digital technologies. Visibility, automation and global coordination are critical, so we provide tools like control towers and data-driven insights to enhance efficiency,” said Chee Foong Wan, CEO of PSA BDP.
These tools, combined with operational improvements, are allowing logistics providers to act more decisively on sustainability goals.