EU Shipping emissions were highest in 2024 since reporting began in 2018.

The emissions rose by 13% even though maritime trade slowed down due to Houthi attacks on Red Sea Shipping.

Vessels were forced to abandon the route and take longer journeys around the Cape of Good Hope, sailing faster to maintain their delivery schedule.

The high level of emissions underlines the need for stronger carbon pricing and stricter climate policies.

Though 2024 set a new emissions record, hitting an all-time high, trade volume remains down.

This points to the fact that ships are generating more pollution irrespective of the volume of cargo they carry. Why is this so?

Per reports, container ships are responsible for the increase in total emissions, as their emissions have increased by a whopping 46%.

Hence, the global container fleet can be regarded as the main culprit behind the spike in emissions.

The operational pressures due to rerouting have led to the generation of more emissions per container vessel. This is because there are more vessels and they are sailing on longer routes and at high speeds.

Experts say there is a dire need for policy tools to address this issue and to support the usage of e-fuels for reducing fuel consumption without impacting maritime trade.

Additionally, a major chunk of Europe’s shipping emissions is linked to the transportation of oil, LNG and other fossil fuels.

Increased use of renewable energy has led to a decline in fossil fuel imports, but they are still high.

Fossil fuel carriers make atleast 20% of EU shipping emissions.

The volumes of LNG being shipped have increased since Russia invaded Ukraine; however, that has decreased in 2024.

Emissions from shipping crude oil imports rose to 2019 highs, thanks to Rotterdam Port, the Netherlands’ biggest importer of fossil fuels by sea.

As Europe hastens its green transition, companies shipping fossil fuels could find themselves with stranded ships.

Experts highlight the urgent need to focus on decarbonising initiatives.