Shipping comes out tops in carbon emissions debate

IN A world consumed by the impact of global warming, maintaining perspective in the carbon emissions debate is critical, says Safmarine Container Lines chairman Eivind Kolding. “The maritime industry plays a key role in economic growth and development – and vessel transport is the most efficient in terms of carbon footprint. It’s 3-4 times more efficient than rail and truck and 50 to 60 times more efficient than air.” According to Kolding, a cargo vessel emits up to 800 tonnes of greenhouse gases per day. Ocean transport, he said, is responsible for 1.8% of global CO2 emissions while carrying some 90% of all global trade. “Container vessels all together account for 0.5% of global emissions,” he added. “But we realise that we consume a lot of fuel and therefore spend a lot of money on ways of minimising fuel consumption. When we save fuel it’s not only good for the environment – it’s good for our bottom line.” Returning to his earlier assertion of ‘perspective', the graphic on the right provides some sobering facts on the real culprits in the carbon footprint debate.