GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Merchant Industry Statistics

Shipping's emissions are still rising despite some efficiency gains and green regulations.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

In 2023, 450 LNG dual-fuel newbuilds ordered, representing 25% of bulk carrier orders.

Statistic 2

Methanol capacity ordered reached 4 million tonnes by 2023.

Statistic 3

Ammonia-fueled vessels: 50+ orders by end-2023, targeting 2030 entry.

Statistic 4

Hydrogen fuel cell ferries operate with 100% zero-emission capability.

Statistic 5

Biofuel blends (VLSFO/B30) used in 15% of spot market bunkers 2023.

Statistic 6

Green ammonia production costs fell to $500/tonne by 2030 projection.

Statistic 7

e-Methanol deals secured for 1 million tonnes annual supply by 2025.

Statistic 8

LPG as fuel: 100 dual-fuel tankers ordered since 2020.

Statistic 9

Battery-electric short-sea vessels: 200+ in operation by 2023.

Statistic 10

SAF bunkering trials for aviation-marine cross-use at 10 ports.

Statistic 11

Wind hydrogen production for shipping: 5GW electrolysers planned by 2030.

Statistic 12

Dual-fuel engines adaptable to 5 fuels: 80% MAN Energy orders.

Statistic 13

Methanol retrofits completed on 10 product tankers by 2023.

Statistic 14

Ammonia safety codes finalized for 4-stroke engines.

Statistic 15

Bio-LNG production scaled to 2 million tonnes/year globally.

Statistic 16

Nuclear propulsion concepts revived for icebreakers.

Statistic 17

Fuel cell stacks for 1MW power in pilot ships.

Statistic 18

Green fuel corridors: Singapore-Europe methanol bunkering chain.

Statistic 19

30% fleet biofuel capable by 2030 under WTO rules.

Statistic 20

Solid oxide fuel cells efficiency 60% on H2.

Statistic 21

In 2022, international shipping accounted for approximately 2.89% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2e, up from 2.76% in 2018.

Statistic 22

Merchant ships emitted 1,056 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022, representing a 20.1% increase from 2019 levels due to increased trade volumes post-COVID.

Statistic 23

The container shipping sector alone contributed 206 million tonnes of CO2e in 2022, about 19.5% of total shipping emissions.

Statistic 24

Slow steaming practices reduced fuel consumption by up to 30% on major container routes between 2009 and 2019.

Statistic 25

NOx emissions from ships in EU ports decreased by 65% between 2016 and 2022 due to SECA regulations.

Statistic 26

SOx emissions from global shipping fell by 80% since 2008 following the IMO's 0.5% sulfur cap in 2020.

Statistic 27

Black carbon emissions from shipping contribute 1.7% to Arctic warming, with heavy fuel oil being the primary culprit.

Statistic 28

In 2021, the top 10 shipping companies were responsible for 35% of global fleet CO2 emissions despite operating only 15% of vessels by number.

Statistic 29

Ballast water treatment systems have reduced invasive species introductions by 90% on equipped vessels since 2017.

Statistic 30

Global shipping's methane emissions rose 15% from 2012 to 2019 due to LNG adoption without slip control.

Statistic 31

Container ships over 15 years old emit 50% more CO2 per TEU than newer vessels.

Statistic 32

In 2023, EU ETS covered 50% of shipping emissions entering European ports, projected to rise to 100% by 2026.

Statistic 33

HFO bunkering in the Arctic increased ship PM2.5 emissions by 72% during summer months in 2022.

Statistic 34

Wind-assisted propulsion trials reduced CO2 emissions by 5-20% on retrofitted bulk carriers in 2023.

Statistic 35

Global shipping CO2 intensity improved by only 0.6% annually from 2012-2022, far below the 40% needed by 2030.

Statistic 36

In 2022, cruise ships emitted 250,000 tonnes of CO2e per day fleet-wide during peak season.

Statistic 37

LNG-fueled ships emit 25% less CO2 but up to 85% more methane over lifecycle compared to diesel.

Statistic 38

Ship scrapping in South Asia released 1.2 million tonnes of hazardous waste in 2022.

Statistic 39

Air lubrications systems cut drag by 5-8%, reducing emissions by 4% on large tankers.

Statistic 40

In 2023, 90% of newbuild orders complied with EEDI Phase 3, reducing CO2 by 30% vs Phase 0.

Statistic 41

Propeller upgrades on 500 vessels saved 1.2 million tonnes CO2 annually by 2023.

Statistic 42

Voyage optimization software reduced fuel use by 10% across Maersk's fleet in 2022.

Statistic 43

Hull cleaning reduced drag by 15%, cutting emissions 7% on tested vessels.

Statistic 44

Global fleet average age of 12.5 years in 2023 leads to 20% higher emissions per dwt.

Statistic 45

Methanol dual-fuel ships ordered in 2023 could cut lifecycle GHG by 95% with green methanol.

Statistic 46

In 2022, shipping's share of global energy-related CO2 was 3%, consuming 300 million tonnes oil equivalent.

Statistic 47

Bulk carriers emitted 410 million tonnes CO2 in 2022, 39% of total shipping.

Statistic 48

Tankers contribute 28% of shipping CO2, with VLCCs averaging 80g CO2/tonne-mile.

Statistic 49

Ro-Ro ships have the highest CO2 intensity at 25g/tonne-km, 3x containers.

Statistic 50

Ferry emissions per pax-km are 50g CO2e, double electric rail.

Statistic 51

In 2023, 15% of global fleet capacity used VLSFO compliant with IMO 2020 sulfur cap.

Statistic 52

Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) compliance achieved by 95% of monitored fleet by Dec 2023.

Statistic 53

CII ratings showed 10% of fleet in D or E band in 2023, facing penalties.

Statistic 54

Shaft generators on retrofitted vessels improved efficiency by 15%.

Statistic 55

LED lighting retrofits saved 20-30% electrical energy on cruise ships.

Statistic 56

Waste heat recovery systems capture 10-15% of exhaust heat for electricity.

Statistic 57

Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on pumps reduced hotel load by 25%.

Statistic 58

Speed optimization cut fuel by 12% on Asia-Europe routes in 2023.

Statistic 59

Silicone-based hull coatings reduced fuel by 5-10% vs self-polishing.

Statistic 60

Rotor sails on 5 bulkers saved 8% fuel over 10,000 nm voyages.

Statistic 61

Just-in-time arrivals reduced idling emissions by 14% in pilot ports.

Statistic 62

Fleet average EEDI for newbuilds fell 35% from 2013 to 2023.

Statistic 63

Data analytics platforms like Nautilus cut fuel 5% via route tweaks.

Statistic 64

Electric bow thrusters saved 40% energy vs hydraulic.

Statistic 65

Mega hybrid batteries on ferries reduced fuel 20% in port.

Statistic 66

AI weather routing saved 7.5% bunker fuel on tested tankers.

Statistic 67

Inverter technology boosted genset efficiency by 10%.

Statistic 68

Lightweight composites in superstructures cut fuel 2-3%.

Statistic 69

Engine power limitation under EEXI reduced speeds 10%.

Statistic 70

Hull form optimization for new LNG carriers improved efficiency 15%.

Statistic 71

Shore power connections in EU ports saved 30% auxiliary fuel.

Statistic 72

Digital twins simulated 12% fuel savings before retrofits.

Statistic 73

Autopilot enhancements reduced rudder movements 20%.

Statistic 74

Fuel flow meters enabled 3% savings via monitoring.

Statistic 75

Trim optimization software cut resistance 4%.

Statistic 76

Hybrid sail-diesel systems on coasters saved 25% fuel.

Statistic 77

In 2023, 120 rotorsail retrofits ordered globally.

Statistic 78

Autonomous surface vessels trials reduced crew emissions 100%.

Statistic 79

Solid-state batteries for marine: 2x energy density.

Statistic 80

SkySails drone propulsion: 10% fuel save trials.

Statistic 81

Carbon capture on exhaust: 90% CO2 removal pilot.

Statistic 82

3D-printed propellers customized for 5% efficiency gain.

Statistic 83

Blockchain for carbon credits in shipping.

Statistic 84

eROSA electric rotorsails on ferries.

Statistic 85

Laser de-rusting cut prep time 80% for coatings.

Statistic 86

AI predictive maintenance reduced downtime 30%.

Statistic 87

Supercapacitors for peak shaving 20% genset reduction.

Statistic 88

Nanotech coatings self-healing antifouling.

Statistic 89

Quantum sensors for precise navigation fuel save.

Statistic 90

Floating solar for port power 10MW installed.

Statistic 91

Bio-mimetic hull designs from whale skin.

Statistic 92

Direct drive propulsion no gearbox 10% efficient.

Statistic 93

Satellite methane leak detection for LNG.

Statistic 94

VR training for green ops 50% faster uptake.

Statistic 95

Swarm drones for hull inspection zero entry.

Statistic 96

Plasma waste converters 99% volume reduction.

Statistic 97

In 2023, IMO Strategy targets 20-30% GHG cut by 2030.

Statistic 98

EU MRV Regulation monitored 2,500 ships' emissions in 2022.

Statistic 99

FuelEU Maritime mandates 2% e-fuel uptake by 2025.

Statistic 100

US Clean Truck Fund allocated $1bn for shore power.

Statistic 101

Poseidon Principles signed by 25 banks, $100bn lending.

Statistic 102

Getting to Zero Coalition: 50 partners for zero-emission vessels.

Statistic 103

Sea Cargo Charter: 20 signatories reporting CII/EEXI.

Statistic 104

RightShip GHG rating adopted by 30 charterers.

Statistic 105

Singapore Green Port Program: 80% electrification by 2030.

Statistic 106

China ETS includes shipping from 2025, 100m tonnes CO2.

Statistic 107

California Air Resources Board: 80% low-carbon fuel by 2030.

Statistic 108

Industry pledge: Net-zero by 2050 by 50 CEOs.

Statistic 109

ISM Code revisions for cyber-security in sustainability.

Statistic 110

Carbon pricing: $50/tonne internal by Maersk.

Statistic 111

VeriFuel digital bunker verification for green claims.

Statistic 112

SBTi maritime targets approved for 10 companies.

Statistic 113

Hong Kong Green Vessel Subsidy: $10m disbursed.

Statistic 114

Baltic Sea Action Plan: 100% compliance NOx.

Statistic 115

Methanol Institute safety guide for ports.

Statistic 116

First hydrogen safety zone at Port of Esbjerg.

Statistic 117

In 2022, plastic waste from ships totaled 1.5 million tonnes, with 70% from packaging.

Statistic 118

Food waste generation: 3kg/pax/day on cruise ships, compostable 80%.

Statistic 119

Bilge water discharge reduced 95% by advanced separators.

Statistic 120

Sewage treatment plants on 90% newbuilds meet MEPC.227(64).

Statistic 121

Incinerator ash: 50,000 tonnes/year globally, landfilled.

Statistic 122

Single-use plastics banned on 50 cruise lines since 2021.

Statistic 123

Cargo residues from bulkers: 5 million tonnes washed overboard annually.

Statistic 124

Oil spill incidents dropped to 5 major cases in 2022.

Statistic 125

Scrubber washwater acidity raised ocean pH concerns in 20 SECAs.

Statistic 126

Ballast water exchange compliance 85% in US waters.

Statistic 127

Marine debris from fisheries/shipping: 640,000 tonnes/year.

Statistic 128

Zero-discharge policies adopted by 20 major lines.

Statistic 129

Recycling rate onboard: 60% for paper/plastics on EU flagged.

Statistic 130

Hazardous waste manifests digitalized, reducing paper 90%.

Statistic 131

Microplastics from antifouling paints: 35,000 tonnes/year.

Statistic 132

Greywater discharge: 1 billion litres/day from cruise fleet.

Statistic 133

Port reception facilities utilized by 70% vessels for garbage.

Statistic 134

Biofouling management reduced hull biota discharge 80%.

Statistic 135

EEDI-related waste from demolitions: 10% recycled steel.

Statistic 136

Crew PPE recycling program saved 50 tonnes plastic/year per line.

1/136

Sources

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As the world's cargo ships pump out over a billion tonnes of CO2 annually, the merchant shipping industry is navigating a turbulent voyage toward a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, international shipping accounted for approximately 2.89% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2e, up from 2.76% in 2018.
Merchant ships emitted 1,056 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022, representing a 20.1% increase from 2019 levels due to increased trade volumes post-COVID.
The container shipping sector alone contributed 206 million tonnes of CO2e in 2022, about 19.5% of total shipping emissions.
In 2023, 15% of global fleet capacity used VLSFO compliant with IMO 2020 sulfur cap.
Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) compliance achieved by 95% of monitored fleet by Dec 2023.
CII ratings showed 10% of fleet in D or E band in 2023, facing penalties.
In 2023, 450 LNG dual-fuel newbuilds ordered, representing 25% of bulk carrier orders.
Methanol capacity ordered reached 4 million tonnes by 2023.
Ammonia-fueled vessels: 50+ orders by end-2023, targeting 2030 entry.
In 2022, plastic waste from ships totaled 1.5 million tonnes, with 70% from packaging.
Food waste generation: 3kg/pax/day on cruise ships, compostable 80%.
Bilge water discharge reduced 95% by advanced separators.
In 2023, IMO Strategy targets 20-30% GHG cut by 2030.
EU MRV Regulation monitored 2,500 ships' emissions in 2022.
FuelEU Maritime mandates 2% e-fuel uptake by 2025.

Shipping's emissions are still rising despite some efficiency gains and green regulations.

Alternative Fuels and Propulsion

In 2023, 450 LNG dual-fuel newbuilds ordered, representing 25% of bulk carrier orders.
Methanol capacity ordered reached 4 million tonnes by 2023.
Ammonia-fueled vessels: 50+ orders by end-2023, targeting 2030 entry.
Hydrogen fuel cell ferries operate with 100% zero-emission capability.
Biofuel blends (VLSFO/B30) used in 15% of spot market bunkers 2023.
Green ammonia production costs fell to $500/tonne by 2030 projection.
e-Methanol deals secured for 1 million tonnes annual supply by 2025.
LPG as fuel: 100 dual-fuel tankers ordered since 2020.
Battery-electric short-sea vessels: 200+ in operation by 2023.
SAF bunkering trials for aviation-marine cross-use at 10 ports.
Wind hydrogen production for shipping: 5GW electrolysers planned by 2030.
Dual-fuel engines adaptable to 5 fuels: 80% MAN Energy orders.
Methanol retrofits completed on 10 product tankers by 2023.
Ammonia safety codes finalized for 4-stroke engines.
Bio-LNG production scaled to 2 million tonnes/year globally.
Nuclear propulsion concepts revived for icebreakers.
Fuel cell stacks for 1MW power in pilot ships.
Green fuel corridors: Singapore-Europe methanol bunkering chain.
30% fleet biofuel capable by 2030 under WTO rules.
Solid oxide fuel cells efficiency 60% on H2.

Alternative Fuels and Propulsion Interpretation

The shipping industry is clearly hedging its bets on a messy green transition, with everyone from engine manufacturers to bunker suppliers scrambling to build a dizzying array of optionality into our fleets and fuel tanks, as if preparing for a high-stakes, multi-fuel poker game where the only rule is to finally stop playing with fire.

Emissions and Climate Impact

In 2022, international shipping accounted for approximately 2.89% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions, equivalent to 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2e, up from 2.76% in 2018.
Merchant ships emitted 1,056 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022, representing a 20.1% increase from 2019 levels due to increased trade volumes post-COVID.
The container shipping sector alone contributed 206 million tonnes of CO2e in 2022, about 19.5% of total shipping emissions.
Slow steaming practices reduced fuel consumption by up to 30% on major container routes between 2009 and 2019.
NOx emissions from ships in EU ports decreased by 65% between 2016 and 2022 due to SECA regulations.
SOx emissions from global shipping fell by 80% since 2008 following the IMO's 0.5% sulfur cap in 2020.
Black carbon emissions from shipping contribute 1.7% to Arctic warming, with heavy fuel oil being the primary culprit.
In 2021, the top 10 shipping companies were responsible for 35% of global fleet CO2 emissions despite operating only 15% of vessels by number.
Ballast water treatment systems have reduced invasive species introductions by 90% on equipped vessels since 2017.
Global shipping's methane emissions rose 15% from 2012 to 2019 due to LNG adoption without slip control.
Container ships over 15 years old emit 50% more CO2 per TEU than newer vessels.
In 2023, EU ETS covered 50% of shipping emissions entering European ports, projected to rise to 100% by 2026.
HFO bunkering in the Arctic increased ship PM2.5 emissions by 72% during summer months in 2022.
Wind-assisted propulsion trials reduced CO2 emissions by 5-20% on retrofitted bulk carriers in 2023.
Global shipping CO2 intensity improved by only 0.6% annually from 2012-2022, far below the 40% needed by 2030.
In 2022, cruise ships emitted 250,000 tonnes of CO2e per day fleet-wide during peak season.
LNG-fueled ships emit 25% less CO2 but up to 85% more methane over lifecycle compared to diesel.
Ship scrapping in South Asia released 1.2 million tonnes of hazardous waste in 2022.
Air lubrications systems cut drag by 5-8%, reducing emissions by 4% on large tankers.
In 2023, 90% of newbuild orders complied with EEDI Phase 3, reducing CO2 by 30% vs Phase 0.
Propeller upgrades on 500 vessels saved 1.2 million tonnes CO2 annually by 2023.
Voyage optimization software reduced fuel use by 10% across Maersk's fleet in 2022.
Hull cleaning reduced drag by 15%, cutting emissions 7% on tested vessels.
Global fleet average age of 12.5 years in 2023 leads to 20% higher emissions per dwt.
Methanol dual-fuel ships ordered in 2023 could cut lifecycle GHG by 95% with green methanol.
In 2022, shipping's share of global energy-related CO2 was 3%, consuming 300 million tonnes oil equivalent.
Bulk carriers emitted 410 million tonnes CO2 in 2022, 39% of total shipping.
Tankers contribute 28% of shipping CO2, with VLCCs averaging 80g CO2/tonne-mile.
Ro-Ro ships have the highest CO2 intensity at 25g/tonne-km, 3x containers.
Ferry emissions per pax-km are 50g CO2e, double electric rail.

Emissions and Climate Impact Interpretation

The merchant industry's sustainability report is a tragicomedy of soaring emissions and impressive reductions, where every technological win is shadowed by a daunting climb in absolute numbers.

Energy Efficiency

In 2023, 15% of global fleet capacity used VLSFO compliant with IMO 2020 sulfur cap.
Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) compliance achieved by 95% of monitored fleet by Dec 2023.
CII ratings showed 10% of fleet in D or E band in 2023, facing penalties.
Shaft generators on retrofitted vessels improved efficiency by 15%.
LED lighting retrofits saved 20-30% electrical energy on cruise ships.
Waste heat recovery systems capture 10-15% of exhaust heat for electricity.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on pumps reduced hotel load by 25%.
Speed optimization cut fuel by 12% on Asia-Europe routes in 2023.
Silicone-based hull coatings reduced fuel by 5-10% vs self-polishing.
Rotor sails on 5 bulkers saved 8% fuel over 10,000 nm voyages.
Just-in-time arrivals reduced idling emissions by 14% in pilot ports.
Fleet average EEDI for newbuilds fell 35% from 2013 to 2023.
Data analytics platforms like Nautilus cut fuel 5% via route tweaks.
Electric bow thrusters saved 40% energy vs hydraulic.
Mega hybrid batteries on ferries reduced fuel 20% in port.
AI weather routing saved 7.5% bunker fuel on tested tankers.
Inverter technology boosted genset efficiency by 10%.
Lightweight composites in superstructures cut fuel 2-3%.
Engine power limitation under EEXI reduced speeds 10%.
Hull form optimization for new LNG carriers improved efficiency 15%.
Shore power connections in EU ports saved 30% auxiliary fuel.
Digital twins simulated 12% fuel savings before retrofits.
Autopilot enhancements reduced rudder movements 20%.
Fuel flow meters enabled 3% savings via monitoring.
Trim optimization software cut resistance 4%.
Hybrid sail-diesel systems on coasters saved 25% fuel.

Energy Efficiency Interpretation

The shipping industry in 2023 was a study in energetic compliance, with the fleet collectively tightening its belt through technology, yet a stubborn tenth of ships are still being dragged toward penalties like reluctant students to detention.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

In 2023, 120 rotorsail retrofits ordered globally.
Autonomous surface vessels trials reduced crew emissions 100%.
Solid-state batteries for marine: 2x energy density.
SkySails drone propulsion: 10% fuel save trials.
Carbon capture on exhaust: 90% CO2 removal pilot.
3D-printed propellers customized for 5% efficiency gain.
Blockchain for carbon credits in shipping.
eROSA electric rotorsails on ferries.
Laser de-rusting cut prep time 80% for coatings.
AI predictive maintenance reduced downtime 30%.
Supercapacitors for peak shaving 20% genset reduction.
Nanotech coatings self-healing antifouling.
Quantum sensors for precise navigation fuel save.
Floating solar for port power 10MW installed.
Bio-mimetic hull designs from whale skin.
Direct drive propulsion no gearbox 10% efficient.
Satellite methane leak detection for LNG.
VR training for green ops 50% faster uptake.
Swarm drones for hull inspection zero entry.
Plasma waste converters 99% volume reduction.

Innovations and Technological Advancements Interpretation

It’s heartening that the shipping industry is finally navigating toward a greener future, now armed with statistics showing everything from retrofitting old ships with wind rotors and capturing exhaust carbon to using lasers for rust, 3D printers for propellers, and even quantum sensors—all proving that saving the planet can also mean saving fuel, time, and a great deal of money.

Regulations and Industry Initiatives

In 2023, IMO Strategy targets 20-30% GHG cut by 2030.
EU MRV Regulation monitored 2,500 ships' emissions in 2022.
FuelEU Maritime mandates 2% e-fuel uptake by 2025.
US Clean Truck Fund allocated $1bn for shore power.
Poseidon Principles signed by 25 banks, $100bn lending.
Getting to Zero Coalition: 50 partners for zero-emission vessels.
Sea Cargo Charter: 20 signatories reporting CII/EEXI.
RightShip GHG rating adopted by 30 charterers.
Singapore Green Port Program: 80% electrification by 2030.
China ETS includes shipping from 2025, 100m tonnes CO2.
California Air Resources Board: 80% low-carbon fuel by 2030.
Industry pledge: Net-zero by 2050 by 50 CEOs.
ISM Code revisions for cyber-security in sustainability.
Carbon pricing: $50/tonne internal by Maersk.
VeriFuel digital bunker verification for green claims.
SBTi maritime targets approved for 10 companies.
Hong Kong Green Vessel Subsidy: $10m disbursed.
Baltic Sea Action Plan: 100% compliance NOx.
Methanol Institute safety guide for ports.
First hydrogen safety zone at Port of Esbjerg.

Regulations and Industry Initiatives Interpretation

The shipping industry is slowly steering a course towards a greener horizon, propelled by a growing fleet of global regulations, corporate pledges, and targeted investments, yet the real voyage from ambition to a genuinely clean and secure operation is still measured in nautical miles.

Waste and Pollution Control

In 2022, plastic waste from ships totaled 1.5 million tonnes, with 70% from packaging.
Food waste generation: 3kg/pax/day on cruise ships, compostable 80%.
Bilge water discharge reduced 95% by advanced separators.
Sewage treatment plants on 90% newbuilds meet MEPC.227(64).
Incinerator ash: 50,000 tonnes/year globally, landfilled.
Single-use plastics banned on 50 cruise lines since 2021.
Cargo residues from bulkers: 5 million tonnes washed overboard annually.
Oil spill incidents dropped to 5 major cases in 2022.
Scrubber washwater acidity raised ocean pH concerns in 20 SECAs.
Ballast water exchange compliance 85% in US waters.
Marine debris from fisheries/shipping: 640,000 tonnes/year.
Zero-discharge policies adopted by 20 major lines.
Recycling rate onboard: 60% for paper/plastics on EU flagged.
Hazardous waste manifests digitalized, reducing paper 90%.
Microplastics from antifouling paints: 35,000 tonnes/year.
Greywater discharge: 1 billion litres/day from cruise fleet.
Port reception facilities utilized by 70% vessels for garbage.
Biofouling management reduced hull biota discharge 80%.
EEDI-related waste from demolitions: 10% recycled steel.
Crew PPE recycling program saved 50 tonnes plastic/year per line.

Waste and Pollution Control Interpretation

While the merchant industry is finally cleaning its room—hitting real milestones in cutting plastic, slashing bilge discharge, and adopting zero-discharge policies—the sheer scale of its daily mess, from mountains of food waste to oceans of greywater, reveals this is less a victory lap and more the first exhausting lap of a marathon we can't afford to lose.