Key Takeaways
- Global shipping (international) greenhouse gas emissions were about 1,076 million tonnes CO2 (2018), 2.89% of global CO2 emissions
- Shipping emissions were projected to rise by 50% to 250% by 2050 compared with 2008 levels depending on scenario
- IMO agreed to reduce total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared with 2008
- The global merchant fleet (vessels above 100 gross tons) reached 105,000 ships in 2023
- UNCTAD reported global merchant fleet size of 2.1 billion deadweight tonnes (dwt) in 2023
- UNCTAD reported average ship age increased to 11.4 years in 2023
With shipping emitting 2.5 percent of global greenhouse gases, the EU and IMO are tightening rules to cut CO2 fast.
Related reading
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Emissions & Environment
Emissions & Environment Interpretation
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Trade, Fleet & Traffic
Trade, Fleet & Traffic Interpretation
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How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Kevin O'Brien. (2026, February 13). Marine Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/marine-industry-statistics
Kevin O'Brien. "Marine Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/marine-industry-statistics.
Kevin O'Brien. 2026. "Marine Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/marine-industry-statistics.
References
- 1imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/02-COMMERCIAL-SHIPPING.aspx
- 2imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Environment.aspx
- 3imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Reducing-GHG-Emissions-from-International-Shipping.aspx
- 4imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Reducing-CO2-Emissions-from-International-Shipping.aspx
- 7imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Topics/Pages/Environment.aspx
- 8imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Topics/Pages/Greenhouse-gas-emissions.aspx
- 10imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Ships/Pages/Sulphur-limits.aspx
- 11imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/EEXI-and-CII.aspx
- 14imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/Ballast-Water-Management-Convention.aspx
- 15imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/Ballast-Water-Management-Convention.aspx
- 16imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Ballast-Water-Management-Convention.aspx
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- 23imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Ships/Pages/Nitrogen-oxides.aspx
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- 40worldshipping.org/about-the-industry/trends
- 41worldshipping.org/about-the-industry/trade
- 44eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61504






