Shipping lines’ carbon emissions goals have taken a back seat this year thanks to geopolitical events, with trades impacted by the Red Sea Crisis seeing a significant increase in carbon emissions throughout 2024, according to Emily Stausbøll of ocean freight benchmarking platform Xeneta.
The Far East to Mediterranean has been hardest hit, she says.
“In an effort to get ships back to port quicker, carriers were increasing shipping speeds where they could. Longer sailing distances at higher speeds had a direct impact on emissions, with the Far East to Mediterranean fronthaul producing emissions per tonne of cargo 60.1% higher compared to 12 months earlier.”
While container ships continue to avoid the Red Sea, this impact will continue.
In terms of setting the framework needed for upcoming regulations, 2025 is an important year for the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It must make some important decisions when it comes to a global carbon emissions price, as well as short-term measures and medium-term measures to support decarbonisation of the fleet, says Stausbøll.
“The industry has a collective responsibility to work towards net zero, but it seems it has become less of a priority during the chaos of 2024 – perhaps if 2025 brings calmer waters to the market we will see carbon reduction given a higher priority.”
On January 1, the Red Sea Crisis will have reached more than 400 days of disruption, with a large-scale return of container ships to the region looking unlikely.
