Key Takeaways
- Heavy fuel oil (HFO) powered 70% of global shipping emissions in 2018
- Marine gas oil (MGO) contributed to 15% of shipping fuel use in 2018
- LNG-fueled ships emitted 25-30% less CO2 than HFO equivalents per tonne-mile
- Container ships emitted 222 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, 21% of shipping total
- Bulk carriers accounted for 15% of shipping CO2 emissions in 2018, totaling 158 Mt CO2
- Tankers emitted 308 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, representing 29% of total shipping emissions
- International shipping accounted for 2.89% of total global anthropogenic CO2 emissions in 2018, equivalent to 1,056 million tonnes
- Total GHG emissions from international shipping reached 1,056 Mt CO2e in 2018, including CO2, CH4, and N2O
- Shipping emissions constituted approximately 13% of total transportation sector GHG emissions globally in 2019
- Asia accounted for 60% of global shipping CO2 emissions in 2018
- European waters saw 10% of shipping emissions in 2018, totaling 105 Mt CO2
- Intra-Asia routes emitted 250 Mt CO2 in 2018, 24% of total shipping
- Global shipping CO2 emissions grew 10% from 2012 to 2018
- Emissions per tonne-mile fell 12% from 2012-2018 due to efficiency
- Post-IMO 2020, SOx emissions dropped 77% globally in 2020
Despite regulations, fossil fuels still dominate shipping emissions, but cleaner fuels and tech could cut them sharply.
By Fuel and Technology
By Fuel and Technology Interpretation
By Ship Type
By Ship Type Interpretation
Global Totals
Global Totals Interpretation
Regional and Route-Based
Regional and Route-Based Interpretation
Trends and Policies
Trends and Policies Interpretation
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.
Emilia Santos. (2026, February 13). Shipping Emissions Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/shipping-emissions-statistics
Emilia Santos. "Shipping Emissions Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/shipping-emissions-statistics.
Emilia Santos. 2026. "Shipping Emissions Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/shipping-emissions-statistics.
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