Kuehne+Nagel and Google Cloud sign major SAF supply agreement

Kuehne+Nagel has expanded its decarbonisation efforts with a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement that will supply up to 5.2 million litres of SAF to help reduce emissions linked to Google Cloud’s air‑freight logistics.

The deal represents one of the more substantial recent commitments from the freight‑forwarding sector to support cleaner aviation operations.

Under the arrangement, Kuehne+Nagel will allocate SAF to air cargo routes used for transporting Google Cloud equipment and related shipments.

While the SAF is not physically delivered on a one‑to‑one basis for each flight, the emissions reductions are accounted for through a recognised book‑and‑claim system. This ensures that certified SAF is purchased and used within the aviation network, delivering verifiable lifecycle carbon savings.

The agreement supports Google’s broader climate strategy, which includes reducing Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain.

For Kuehne+Nagel, it strengthens its “Sustainable Choice” programme, which aims to scale low‑carbon logistics solutions and encourage corporate customers to adopt cleaner transport options.

SAF typically delivers 60–80% lower lifecycle emissions compared with conventional jet fuel, depending on feedstock and production pathway. By securing multi‑million‑litre volumes, the partnership sends a clear signal to fuel producers that demand for waste‑based and advanced SAF is accelerating.

This collaboration also highlights a growing trend: major technology companies are increasingly scrutinising the carbon footprint of their freight movements, and logistics providers are responding with more ambitious, market‑shaping commitments.