Kiera Jefferson
The shipping industry is responsible for a significant amount of global pollution, with cargo ships being a major contributor. Sea freight is the most widely used method for shipping goods, with a fleet of around 90,000 cargo ships, and the industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Cargo ships emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, such as sulphur, which contribute to poor air quality and have negative consequences for human health and marine ecosystems. With rising demand for shipping, the forecast for emissions is concerning, and the sector is facing the challenge of transitioning to more sustainable practices and fuel sources.
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What You'll Learn
- Cargo ships emit 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, 3% of global emissions
- Bunker fuel contains 3% sulphur, much higher than ultra-low sulphur diesel
- Shipping emissions are set to increase by 50% by 2050
- Green fuels and greater efficiency could bring a cleaner future
- The EU has introduced a green fuels mandate of 2% by 2034
Cargo ships emit 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, 3% of global emissions
Cargo ships emit 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, which is about 3% of global emissions. This is a major source of air pollution, with shipping responsible for over a tenth of transport emissions. The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to cut the pollution created by its merchant fleet.
The environmental impact of shipping is significant, and without action, shipping emissions are set to increase by up to 50% by the middle of the century. Shipping contributes to poor air quality and is a leading cause of oceanic acidification, which puts marine ecosystems at risk.
One of the main issues is the type of fuel used by cargo ships. Bunker fuel, for example, is highly polluting and has a high sulphur content. The switch to green fuels and greater efficiency is necessary for a cleaner future.
There are several ways to reduce the environmental impact of cargo ships. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power can assist in propulsion, and cleaner fuel alternatives like liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and biofuels can be employed. Energy-efficient vessel design, hull modifications, and slow steaming can also reduce emissions.
Some companies are taking steps towards decarbonization. Maersk, for example, has ordered eight large container ships that will run on sustainably produced methanol. While green fuels are more expensive, Maersk's customers are willing to help shoulder the cost for a greener solution.
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Bunker fuel contains 3% sulphur, much higher than ultra-low sulphur diesel
The environmental impact of the shipping industry has been a growing concern, with shipping responsible for over a tenth of transport emissions and a major source of air pollution. In particular, the fuel used by cargo ships has been identified as a primary contributor to this issue. Bunker fuel, a type of heavy fuel oil used to power ship engines, typically has a high sulphur content. When burned, it releases sulphur dioxide, an air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in humans. Sulphur dioxide is also a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming.
To address the issue of bunker fuel's high sulphur content, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented new regulations. These regulations limit the sulphur content of bunker fuel to 0.5% mass by mass, a significant reduction from the previous limit of 3.5%. This new regulation, known as IMO 2020, came into force on 1 January 2020. It applies to all ships operating in international waters, regardless of their flag state or country of registration.
The implementation of these new regulations has had a notable impact on the shipping industry, particularly regarding the increased cost of low-sulphur bunker fuel. This price increase has, in turn, increased transportation expenses. Despite this challenge, several carriers have proactively installed scrubbers, which remove sulphur from exhaust fumes, enabling ships to continue using high-sulphur fuel while still complying with the regulations.
In addition to scrubbers, there are alternative fuels that ships can use to reduce emissions and meet the new regulations. These include liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, hydrogen, and e-fuels. LNG and biofuels, such as methanol and ammonia, produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional bunker fuel. Biofuels derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, can further reduce emissions.
The positive effects of these changes are substantial, with improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions anticipated. These benefits will extend to both ecosystems and people living near ports and coastlines, who are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of sulphur on cardiovascular and respiratory health.
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Shipping emissions are set to increase by 50% by 2050
The transportation sector is one of the most significant contributors to pollution, with international shipping accounting for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Shipping emits 1,000 Mt of CO2 annually, which is about 11% of total transport emissions.
Shipping emissions are set to increase by up to 50% by 2050 if proactive measures are not taken. This is due to the anticipated increase in global trade and the demand for maritime freight. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions for the sector by 2050. To reach this goal, member nations have agreed on "benchmark milestones", including a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040.
To achieve net-zero emissions, the IMO strategy outlines a set of "mid-term measures" with a technical and economic element. The technical element involves a goal-based marine fuel standard that regulates the phased reduction of marine fuel's greenhouse gas intensity. The economic element is based on a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. The adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies for oceangoing vessels is crucial. This includes alternative fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, electricity, and e-fuels.
Additionally, the IMO has initiated programs like the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) to enhance vessel efficiency. Other measures to reduce emissions include providing shore power at ports, implementing supportive policies, optimizing cargo loads, and training professionals in sustainable practices.
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Green fuels and greater efficiency could bring a cleaner future
Shipping is a major source of air pollution, responsible for over a tenth of transport emissions. In 2018, the global shipping industry emitted 1 billion tons of CO2, accounting for 2.9% of total global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Cargo ships burn large amounts of fuel and use highly polluting bunker fuel, which contains high levels of sulphur—a single large container vessel emits as much sulphur as around 19 million cars.
However, green fuels and greater efficiency could bring a cleaner future for the shipping industry. Renewable electricity sources such as hydrogen, e-ammonia, and biofuels like methanol offer a promising path to decarbonisation. Hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, can be burned efficiently in ship engines, and when paired with electric motors, fuel cells can reduce the amount of hydrogen needed. Methanol is also being explored as a green fuel, with Maersk set to launch eight methanol-fuelled container vessels in 2024. The use of wind power, solar panels, and high-tech sails can also reduce fuel consumption, while battery-electric or hybrid systems can be utilised for energy storage.
While the cost of e-fuels is currently high, financial incentives from governments, such as subsidies or tax breaks, could encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and fuels. The European Commission has introduced a green fuels mandate of 2% by 2034, and negotiators in London have agreed on a framework to require ships to move away from fossil fuels. With the right incentives, e-fuels could account for up to 7% of the EU shipping fuel mix by 2030, setting the industry on a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
In addition to green fuels, greater efficiency can be achieved through the optimisation of vessel design and equipment. This includes modifying hull shapes to improve propulsion efficiency and applying specialised hull coatings to reduce friction. Slow steaming, or reducing the speed of vessels, can also decrease fuel consumption and emissions.
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The EU has introduced a green fuels mandate of 2% by 2034
Shipping is a major source of air pollution, responsible for over a tenth of transport emissions. Shipping emits 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, which is 3% of global CO2 emissions. According to the International Maritime Organisation, if no stringent measures are taken, shipping emissions are set to increase by up to 50% by mid-century.
Cargo ships use highly polluting bunker fuel, which contains around 3% sulphur—much higher than ultra-low sulphur diesel. It has been claimed that one ship emits as much sulphur as 50 million cars, or 19 million cars in another estimate.
To tackle this, the EU has introduced the FuelEU Maritime law, the world's first green shipping fuels law. This mandates at least a 2% share of green shipping fuels by 2025, with the latest deadline being 2034. This means that at least 2% of the bloc's shipping fuels will need to come from e-fuels derived from renewable electricity.
The EU's mandate sends a strong signal to investors and fuel suppliers to start producing green fuels for shipping. E-fuels are one of the few options for the shipping industry to decarbonise, especially since direct electrification for many vessels is not possible. While this is a positive step, it is still not enough to put shipping on course for net-zero by 2050.
To achieve net-zero emissions, the EU has set targets for shipowners to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy they use onboard. This will start with a 2% reduction from 2025, gradually increasing to 80% by 2050. The EU has also proposed other measures to improve sustainability in the maritime sector, such as providing shore power at ports and incentivising the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
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Frequently asked questions
Cargo ships produce 16.14 grams of CO2 per kilometre for each metric ton of cargo they carry. They are powered by bunker fuel, which is very economical but highly polluting. Shipping emits 1,000 Mt CO2 per year, which is 3% of global emissions and 10% of transport emissions.
There is increasing pressure on the shipping industry to cut pollution. The International Maritime Organization has initiated programs like the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) to enhance vessel efficiency. The EU has also introduced a green fuels mandate of 2% by 2034. Some shipping companies are investing in carbon offset projects and switching to green fuels like sustainably produced methanol, hydrogen, and biofuels like methanol and ammonia.
Cargo ships have a significant impact on the marine environment. The increase in carbon dioxide emissions leads to oceanic acidification, which puts marine ecosystems at risk and reduces the number of fish available on the market. Air pollution from cargo ships is responsible for 250,000 deaths per year and up to 6.4 million cases of childhood asthma annually.
Some possible solutions include providing shore power at ports, optimising cargo loads, training shipping professionals in sustainable practices, and adopting more energy-efficient vessel designs and equipment. Renewable energy sources such as wind power, solar panels, and battery-electric or hybrid systems can also help reduce cargo ship pollution.
