Transport & Environment (T&E) has performed an analysis on shipping emissions in Europe. They found that European shipping emissions grew 3% last year as the industry edges closer to pre-pandemic levels. Cruise ship emissions were well up on the year before while a high number of vessels transporting LNG contributed to driving up emissions. The industry is moving closer to the point of no return, says T&E.
Last year, ships visiting European ports emitted nearly 130 million tonnes of CO2. Cargo ships were responsible for the bulk of emissions. MSC, the world’s largest shipping company, was the continent’s biggest carbon emitter. The Swiss-based giant pumped out nearly 10 million tonnes of CO2 last year making it Europe’s 11th biggest polluter. MSC was followed by CMA CGM, Maersk, COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd in the list of shipping emitters.
“Europe’s shipping giants are up there with coal plants and airlines as the continent’s biggest polluters.” says Jacob Armstrong, shipping manager at T&E, and continues “Without stricter regulations, shipping companies will continue to spurn investments in efficiency and green fuels. The industry is quickly moving to a point of no return.“
More background information is available at the T&E news post here.