Shipping Emissions Statistics: Key Numbers
- In 2021, international shipping emitted nearly 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) into the atmosphere. This was an increase of roughly five percent from the previous year.
- In 2021, international shipping accounted for ~2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
- Some scientists have projected that maritime shipping could account for 17% of total annual CO2 emissions by 2050.
- In 2021 emissions from the international shipping sector grew by 5%
- Global shipping spews out 3% of worldwide greenhouse gases (GHG)
Source: (Statista, International Energy Agency, S&P Global, FreightWaves, The Guardian.)
International Shipping Emits 700 Million MtCO₂ in 2021, a 5% Increase
Important takeaway:
| Rising Carbon Emissions | The shipping sector’s CO2 emissions are increasing, suggesting the need for immediate, substantial intervention. |
| Lack of Efficiency | The 5% increase implies current measures to reduce shipping’s carbon footprint aren’t effectively addressing the issue. |
| Regulation Urgency | The substantial CO2 emissions indicate the urgent need for stringent international regulations in shipping industry. |
The 2021 statistics demonstrate a concerning escalation in the shipping sector’s CO2 emissions. This reflects an urgent need for substantial intervention, including effective efficiency measures and stringent international regulations.
Source: Statista
Global Energy-Related CO2 Emissions: Shipping Accounts for 2% in 2021
Important takeaway:
| Mitigate international shipping emissions | International shipping’s CO2 contribution is notable. A shift towards cleaner energy sources is crucial. |
| Increase fuel efficiency | Cutting energy-related CO2 needs improvement in fuel efficiency of shipping vessels. |
| Enhance regulatory measures | Given the sector’s CO2 footprint, stringent emissions regulations are needed. |
This statistic highlights the significant role of international shipping in global energy-related CO2 emissions. Urgent actions, such as cleaner energy adoption, fuel efficiency enhancement, and tighter regulation, are imperative for environmental sustainability.
Source: International Energy Agency
Maritime Shipping Could Contribute 17% of Annual CO2 Emissions by 2050
Important takeaway:
| Accelerate maritime decarbonization | The projected rise to 17% by 2050 necessitates urgent decarbonization of maritime shipping. |
| Encourage innovative technologies | Emerging technologies can be pivotal in curbing the projected CO2 emissions increase. |
| Intensify international cooperation | Collaboration on a global scale can help manage this anticipated surge in emissions. |
Given the projection that maritime shipping may constitute 17% of total annual CO2 emissions by 2050, rapid decarbonization, technological innovation, and global cooperation become indispensable. This forecast underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate future climate impacts.
Source: S&P Global
5% Growth in Emissions from International Shipping Sector Recorded in 2021
Important takeaway:
| Curb the growth of shipping emissions | The 5% growth indicates an urgent need to decelerate the rise in shipping emissions. |
| Implement effective carbon policies | This growth rate necessitates more robust carbon mitigation strategies. |
| Promote sustainable shipping practices | Increasing emissions suggest a need for more environmentally friendly shipping practices. |
The 5% increase in emissions from the international shipping sector in 2021 is a red flag, necessitating immediate action to curb this trend. Effective carbon policies and sustainable shipping practices need to be prioritized to counteract this surge.
Source: FreightWaves
Global Shipping Contributes 3% to Worldwide Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Important takeaway:
| Address shipping’s GHG contribution | The 3% global share indicates shipping’s significant contribution to GHGs. |
| Prioritize low-GHG propulsion technologies | A transition to low-GHG shipping tech is crucial for emission reduction. |
| Advocate for stricter GHG regulations | This level of GHGs calls for tighter emission standards and regulations. |
Global shipping contributes 3% of worldwide GHGs, revealing a critical area for climate change mitigation. The adoption of low-GHG propulsion technologies and stricter emission regulations are integral to addressing this significant environmental impact.
Source: The Guardian
