Wilson Sons publishes first Scope 3 emissions inventory

Wilson Sons has taken a significant step in its sustainability journey by publishing, for the first time, its Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory based on 2024 data. Aligned with the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program guidelines, the disclosure enhances the company’s transparency and reinforces its commitment to strategic, comprehensive climate management.

Recognized for the fifth consecutive year with the Gold Seal of the GHG Protocol Program, Wilson Sons already demonstrates mature management of its direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1 and 2). The certification acknowledges companies that transparently report all emission sources in their inventories with external audit verification—an important step in addressing climate change. Including Scope 3 emissions, which encompass the entire value chain, including suppliers, customers, distribution, and leased assets, marks a necessary evolution amid the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Wilson Sons’ voluntary mapping and reporting of emissions along its value chain aligns with global best practices, including Net Zero targets for international shipping GHG emissions by 2050 and Science-Based Targets (SBTi). The results showed that Scope 3 accounts for the largest portion of the company’s total emissions, highlighting the importance of integrating these figures into its decarbonization strategy.

The first inventory focused on operations with the greatest impact and prioritized relevant categories:

• Category 1 – Purchased goods and services: materials used in daily operations;
• Category 2 – Capital goods: assets incorporated into the company’s property;
• Category 3 – Fuel- and energy-related activities: emissions from the production and transport of purchased energy and fuels;
• Category 11 – Use of sold products: the largest contributor, including diesel consumption by customer vessels during towing and port operations;
• Category 13 – Leased assets: fuel consumption of support vessels leased for offshore activities.

By including Scope 3 in its emissions inventory, Wilson Sons strengthens its position as a climate leader in the logistics and port sector. In a national context where methodologies for measuring these emissions are still being developed, the company stands out by assuming a proactive role, promoting transparency, and driving best practices.

“Beyond fulfilling a technical requirement, this initiative demonstrates Wilson Sons’ concrete commitment to sustainable transformation across the value chain and the development of Brazil’s port and logistics sector, boosting the country’s foreign trade and global competitiveness,” said João David Santos, Sustainability Manager at Wilson Sons.

Decarbonization initiatives

In recent years, the company has implemented studies to introduce innovations that reduce fuel and electricity consumption across its operations. Advanced technologies and new equipment in Wilson Sons’ business units, including the Towing division and container terminals in Salvador (BA) and Rio Grande (RS)—capable of handling the world’s largest vessels—enhance operational safety, efficiency, and lower emissions intensity, contributing to decarbonization of Brazilian port logistics.

Between 2022 and 2024, Wilson Sons’ Guarujá shipyard in the Santos port complex built six more sustainable tugboats, renewing a fleet of over 80 vessels operating along Brazil’s coast. The innovative hull design reduces GHG emissions, cutting fossil fuel consumption by an estimated 14%, and improves air quality in the ports where it operates. In 2025, construction began on a new series of three high-powered, sustainable tugboats.

Other initiatives include: use of shore power for tugboats to prioritize renewable energy and biofuels; fleet monitoring at the Operations Center in Santos to optimize vessel speeds; and at container terminals, procurement of 100% renewable electricity (Tecon Rio Grande) and replacement of diesel equipment with electric alternatives (Tecon Rio Grande and Tecon Salvador). Pioneering drone trials at Porto de Salvador for onboard cargo pickup and delivery further underscore Wilson Sons’ leadership in port innovation.

Source: Wilson Sons

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