Environment
As a maritime powerhouse with energy-intensive manufacturing processes, we bear responsibility for the climate and natural resources. We therefore regard the promotion of environmental and climate protection in our processes, products and projects as an integral part of our business activities and explicitly take into account the sustainability objectives of the European Union and the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Focused on smart targets and measurable indicators, we manage our environmental and climate performance in a systematic manner.
With the aim of reducing emissions along the entire value chain, we set ourselves ambitious emission reduction targets and follow the strategy of thyssenkrupp AG. The emission reduction targets of thyssenkrupp AG for Scope 1, 2 and 3 have been carefully assessed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with the latest climate research. It has been confirmed that these targets are fully consistent with the mission of the Paris Agreement of 2015 to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 1.5°C. The TKMS Group has committed to reducing its Scope-1- and Scope-2-emissions by 50% and its Scope-3-emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to the base year 2017/2018. On its pathway to net zero, the TKMS-Group follows the SBTi target to operate in a climate-neutral manner by no later than 2050. In individual businesses and countries, for example in Germany, this is already being pursued for 2045 in line with the requirements of the German Climate Protection Act.
The achievement of these validated targets is fully embedded in our management systems through robust ESG governance structures supported by dedicated committees.
Our commitment therefore extends across the entire life cycle of our products. From the outset, we strive to take resource efficiency into account. In addition, we continuously advance our production processes to reduce energy consumption and emissions and to integrate clean energy solutions.
Energy Management and Energy Sources
Energy management is a cornerstone of our commitment to mitigating climate change and to the responsible use of energy resources. Within the TKMS-Group, every major production site operates under an energy management system certified in accordance with ISO 50001.
When continuously improving energy efficiency, we focus on both electricity and heat supply. TKMS takes determined short-term action in energy management while at the same time implementing a robust, long-term energy strategy. Our extensive metering infrastructure, with numerous monitoring points at production sites, enables precise control, evaluation and data-driven improvements, thereby aiming to ensure full transparency of energy consumption.
Wherever possible, we source energy exclusively from renewable sources. At our own production sites, 100% of purchased electricity comes from renewable energy sources. At leased sites, we are subject to the energy contracts defined by the respective property owners.
To reduce emissions from production and processes (Scope 1) as well as from purchased energy (Scope 2), we work on short- and long-term electrical energy savings by continuously modernising our electrical installations.
Increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings is also part of our commitment to a sustainable future. Measures include, for example, refurbishing roofs to reduce heat loss, adjusting average room temperatures and investing in environmentally friendly heating systems. As an internationally operating company, TKMS also faces the challenge of reducing emissions along its value chain (Scope 3). Together with our suppliers, we therefore aim to identify particularly CO¬2-intensive products. This will allow us to implement reduction measures in the long term or to seek alternatives in the form of more environmentally-friendly products.
This comprehensive, performance-oriented approach underscores TKMS's efforts in the field of sustainable energy management.
Waste Management
Waste management is another important part of our ambitions towards environment protection. Our overriding principle is to avoid waste wherever possible without compromising quality, product integrity or occupational safety. Where waste cannot be avoided, recycling takes absolute precedence over disposal. In addition, we aim to leverage digitalisation in production to further reduce waste.
We design products for exceptional longevity and offer modernisation services to extend the life cycle of existing vessels, thereby maximising our sustainability impact. We foster proper waste separation and transfer waste to authorised disposal partners. This commitment is reinforced by regular training for our employees, the provision of dedicated containers for special waste streams, inspections and careful monitoring of waste flows. This approach exemplifies our commitment to sustainable and responsible corporate management.
Water and marine resources
As a shipyard and systems provider - a maritime powerhouse - we have a particularly close interaction with water and marine resources. The protection of these resources is therefore an important part of our commitment to a sustainable future. Our manufacturing processes depend on the availability of water. For this reason, all TKMS sites are analysed with regard to their risk of water pollution and water scarcity.
We promote the efficient use of water resources through advanced technical and structural solutions and continuously strive to improve sustainable consumption. Our approach prevents water pollution and protects ecosystems from the risks posed by hazardous substances used in production. Through stringent classification of materials according to their hazard potential, we enable responsible handling of all substances that are harmful to water. We carefully assess the impacts of our wastewater discharges and aim to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Continuous internal audits and oversight by local authorities help us establish safety measures at each site that meet the prescribed standards.
With clear target pathways, transparent key figures and regular reviews, we create a robust foundation for sustainable consumption and, at the same time, for responsible maritime solutions.