GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Shipping Industry Statistics

Shipping emissions are significant but new technologies and regulations are driving change.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, international shipping emitted approximately 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2, representing about 2.89% of total global GHG emissions from human activities.

Statistic 2

Container ships alone accounted for 222 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021, making up 21% of the sector's total emissions.

Statistic 3

Between 2007 and 2012, shipping CO2 emissions grew by 10%, reaching 851 million tonnes annually.

Statistic 4

In 2018, the shipping industry's total GHG emissions were equivalent to 1,056 million tonnes of CO2e, a 11.5% increase from 2012 levels.

Statistic 5

Bulk carriers emitted 205 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021, comprising 19% of shipping's total CO2 output.

Statistic 6

LNG carriers contributed 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021, or 2% of the industry's total.

Statistic 7

The EU shipping sector emitted 133 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, accounting for 13% of transport emissions within the EU.

Statistic 8

Global shipping NOx emissions were estimated at 14.4 million tonnes in 2018.

Statistic 9

SOx emissions from ships dropped by 70% globally between 2015 and 2020 due to the 0.5% sulfur cap.

Statistic 10

In 2020, cruise ships emitted 231,000 tonnes of CO2 per vessel on average annually.

Statistic 11

Short-sea shipping in Europe emitted 140 million tonnes CO2e in 2018.

Statistic 12

Tankers emitted 234 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021, 22% of total shipping emissions.

Statistic 13

Aviation-like growth in shipping emissions could reach 17% of global total by 2050 without action.

Statistic 14

Ro-Ro cargo ships emitted 47 million tonnes CO2 in 2021, 4% of sector total.

Statistic 15

Ferry emissions in Europe totaled 35 million tonnes CO2 in 2019.

Statistic 16

Global shipping black carbon emissions from heavy fuel oil were 1.1 million tonnes in 2015.

Statistic 17

In 2021, chemical tankers emitted 35 million tonnes CO2, 3% of total.

Statistic 18

Offshore supply vessels emitted 12 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Statistic 19

Container ship emissions per TEU dropped 28% from 2010 to 2020 due to efficiency gains.

Statistic 20

Global shipping methane emissions from LNG propulsion were 200,000 tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 21

In 2019, shipping contributed 13% of EU maritime NOx emissions.

Statistic 22

PM2.5 emissions from ships were 2.1 million tonnes globally in 2015.

Statistic 23

General cargo ships emitted 28 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Statistic 24

Arctic shipping CO2 emissions rose 386% from 2004 to 2019.

Statistic 25

Vehicle carriers emitted 22 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Statistic 26

In 2022, intra-regional shipping emitted 40% of total sector CO2.

Statistic 27

Fishing vessels contributed 1% of global shipping CO2, or 10 million tonnes in 2020.

Statistic 28

Tugboats and dredgers emitted 15 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Statistic 29

Transoceanic voyages accounted for 60% of shipping CO2 emissions in 2021.

Statistic 30

Reefer ships emitted 8 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Statistic 31

Methanol-fueled ships reduced CO2 by 15% compared to diesel in lifecycle analysis.

Statistic 32

By 2023, 12% of new ship orders were for alternative fuel vessels, led by LNG at 8%.

Statistic 33

LNG bunkering ports worldwide increased to 170 by end-2022.

Statistic 34

Ammonia as a marine fuel could reduce GHG emissions by 65-90% by 2050.

Statistic 35

Hydrogen dual-fuel engines for ships were ordered for 50 vessels by 2023.

Statistic 36

Biofuel blends up to B30 are used in 5% of global shipping fleet.

Statistic 37

Methanol-ready vessels numbered 300 by 2023, up from 50 in 2020.

Statistic 38

LNG reduces SOx by 99% and NOx by 85% compared to HFO.

Statistic 39

By 2030, alternative fuels projected to cover 20% of shipping energy demand.

Statistic 40

Electric ferries in operation reached 200 globally by 2022, saving 100,000 tonnes fuel/year.

Statistic 41

LPG as fuel adopted in 20 vessels by 2023, reducing CO2 by 15%.

Statistic 42

Wind-assisted propulsion reduces fuel use by 5-20% on retrofitted ships.

Statistic 43

Nuclear propulsion concepts could eliminate fossil fuel use in large ships.

Statistic 44

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) used in 100+ vessels, cutting CO2 by 90%.

Statistic 45

Dual-fuel ammonia engines certified for 10,000-tonne vessels by 2023.

Statistic 46

Battery capacity in hybrid ships grew 50% YoY to 500 MWh by 2022.

Statistic 47

e-Methanol production capacity for shipping targeted at 1 Mtpa by 2025.

Statistic 48

Fuel cell ships in operation: 5 by 2023, with 50 MW total power.

Statistic 49

UCOME biofuels reduce lifecycle emissions by 85% vs. fossil fuels.

Statistic 50

Air lubrication systems cut fuel consumption by 5-10% on 50+ vessels.

Statistic 51

Solar panels on cargo ships generate 200 MWh/year per large installation.

Statistic 52

Carbon capture on ships captures 20% of exhaust CO2 in pilot projects.

Statistic 53

Wind tunnel optimization reduces drag by 10% on newbuilds.

Statistic 54

Hull air lubrication systems save 8% fuel on 100+ retrofits.

Statistic 55

Rotor sails (Flettner) on retrofitted bulkers cut fuel 8-10%.

Statistic 56

Autonomous ships trials: 20+ by 2023, reducing crew emissions.

Statistic 57

Digital twins optimize routes, saving 5% fuel fleet-wide.

Statistic 58

Shaft generator tech boosts efficiency 10% on LNG carriers.

Statistic 59

Just-in-time arrival reduces idling fuel by 14% in pilots.

Statistic 60

Smart voyage optimization software adopted by 40% top operators.

Statistic 61

Carbon capture retrofit captures 10% CO2 on ammonia pilot ship.

Statistic 62

Hull cleaning drones remove 20 microns biofouling, saving 4% fuel.

Statistic 63

AI weather routing cuts fuel 7% on transatlantic voyages.

Statistic 64

Hybrid battery-sail systems in ferries save 30% diesel.

Statistic 65

Superconducting motors increase efficiency 3% in electric propulsion.

Statistic 66

Blockchain for fuel tracking reduces greenwashing by 50% in trials.

Statistic 67

Kitesails on bulk carriers save 10-20% fuel over 10,000 nm.

Statistic 68

Underwater radiated noise reduction via prop redesign by 10 dB.

Statistic 69

Speed optimization reduces fuel 1% per 1 knot slow steaming.

Statistic 70

LED lighting retrofits save 70% energy on 5,000 ships.

Statistic 71

Waste heat recovery systems generate 10% ship power.

Statistic 72

Autonomous underwater hull inspection robots in 50 ports.

Statistic 73

IoT sensors monitor engine efficiency real-time, +2% savings.

Statistic 74

3D-printed spare parts reduce inventory 30%, emissions.

Statistic 75

Rotor tow optimization software boosts thrust 15%.

Statistic 76

MARPOL Annex VI compliance: 95% of fleet uses compliant fuel post-2020.

Statistic 77

EU ETS inclusion for shipping starts 2024, covering 50% of voyages to/from EU.

Statistic 78

IMO GHG Strategy targets 40% reduction by 2030, 70% by 2040 vs. 2008.

Statistic 79

FuelEU Maritime regulation mandates 2% e-fuel share by 2025.

Statistic 80

EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) applies to 90% of new ships >400 GT.

Statistic 81

CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) rating implemented for 100% fleet >5,000 GT from 2023.

Statistic 82

US Clean Air Act limits sulfur in US waters to 1,000 ppm since 2012.

Statistic 83

California Air Resources Board mandates shore power for container ships.

Statistic 84

EEXI retrofits required for 50,000 ships by Nov 2022.

Statistic 85

Global sulfur cap 0.5% since Jan 2020, compliance 98% audited.

Statistic 86

Ballast Water Management Convention ratified by 90 countries, covering 95% tonnage.

Statistic 87

Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling entered provisional application 2023.

Statistic 88

EU MRV regulation reports 1,000 million tonnes CO2 from 12,000 ships in 2022.

Statistic 89

SEEMP (Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan) mandatory for all ships >400 GT.

Statistic 90

NOx Tier III standards apply in US/Canada/EU SECAs since 2016.

Statistic 91

India mandates biofuel blending 5% for ships by 2025.

Statistic 92

Singapore Green Port Programme reduces emissions 15% via incentives.

Statistic 93

Ship recycling IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) required for EU-registered ships.

Statistic 94

Global Data Collection System (DCS) collects fuel data from 70,000 ships annually.

Statistic 95

California zero-emission vessel goals: 40% by 2030 for drayage trucks equivalent.

Statistic 96

RightShip GHG rating covers 25,000 vessels, influencing charter decisions.

Statistic 97

IMO targets net-zero shipping by or around 2050.

Statistic 98

EU Fit for 55 package includes shipping in ETS from 2024.

Statistic 99

Plastic pellet pollution from shipping: 100,000 tonnes/year lost overboard.

Statistic 100

Sewage discharge from cruise ships: 1 billion gallons untreated annually pre-regulations.

Statistic 101

Ship waste generation: 13 million tonnes solid waste/year globally.

Statistic 102

Ballast water management: 10 billion tonnes exchanged annually, reducing invasive species by 90%.

Statistic 103

Oil spills from tankers averaged 7 large incidents/year in 2010s, down 90% since 1970s.

Statistic 104

Food waste from shipping: 2.5 million tonnes/year, 25% of onboard waste.

Statistic 105

Scrubber washwater discharges: 12 million tonnes/day post-2020 sulfur rules.

Statistic 106

Hazardous waste from ships: 1.2 million tonnes/year under MARPOL Annex V.

Statistic 107

Marine plastic debris from fishing gear: 640,000 tonnes/year.

Statistic 108

Greywater from cruise ships: 1 million tonnes/ship/year untreated.

Statistic 109

Bilge water oily discharges reduced 80% by OWS since 1980s.

Statistic 110

Cargo hold washings contribute 5% of ship-generated oily waste.

Statistic 111

Port reception facilities handle 15 million tonnes waste/year in EU.

Statistic 112

Incineration of ship waste: 1.5 million tonnes/year globally.

Statistic 113

Lost shipping containers: 1,500/year, releasing 100,000 consumer goods into sea.

Statistic 114

Antifouling paints release 100,000 tonnes biocides/year.

Statistic 115

Sewage treatment systems installed on 90% of new cruise ships post-2010.

Statistic 116

Shipbreaking waste: 1 million tonnes steel/year, with 5% hazardous.

Statistic 117

Noise pollution from ships exceeds 180 dB in 10% of shipping lanes.

Statistic 118

Microplastics from tire wear on ro-ro ships: 10,000 tonnes/year.

Statistic 119

E-waste from ship electronics: 50,000 tonnes/year decommissioned.

Statistic 120

Food packaging waste on ferries: 500,000 tonnes/year EU.

Statistic 121

IMO 2020 sulfur cap increased scrubber sludge by 300,000 tonnes/year.

Statistic 122

Ballast water treatment systems remove 99.99% organisms on 5,000+ ships.

1/122

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Picture the world’s shipping fleet as a collective country, and in 2022 it would have been the sixth-largest emitter on the planet, a sobering reality that underscores the urgent need for decarbonization across our global supply chains.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, international shipping emitted approximately 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2, representing about 2.89% of total global GHG emissions from human activities.
Container ships alone accounted for 222 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021, making up 21% of the sector's total emissions.
Between 2007 and 2012, shipping CO2 emissions grew by 10%, reaching 851 million tonnes annually.
Methanol-fueled ships reduced CO2 by 15% compared to diesel in lifecycle analysis.
By 2023, 12% of new ship orders were for alternative fuel vessels, led by LNG at 8%.
LNG bunkering ports worldwide increased to 170 by end-2022.
Plastic pellet pollution from shipping: 100,000 tonnes/year lost overboard.
Sewage discharge from cruise ships: 1 billion gallons untreated annually pre-regulations.
Ship waste generation: 13 million tonnes solid waste/year globally.
MARPOL Annex VI compliance: 95% of fleet uses compliant fuel post-2020.
EU ETS inclusion for shipping starts 2024, covering 50% of voyages to/from EU.
IMO GHG Strategy targets 40% reduction by 2030, 70% by 2040 vs. 2008.
Wind tunnel optimization reduces drag by 10% on newbuilds.
Hull air lubrication systems save 8% fuel on 100+ retrofits.
Rotor sails (Flettner) on retrofitted bulkers cut fuel 8-10%.

Shipping emissions are significant but new technologies and regulations are driving change.

Emissions

In 2022, international shipping emitted approximately 1.056 billion tonnes of CO2, representing about 2.89% of total global GHG emissions from human activities.
Container ships alone accounted for 222 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021, making up 21% of the sector's total emissions.
Between 2007 and 2012, shipping CO2 emissions grew by 10%, reaching 851 million tonnes annually.
In 2018, the shipping industry's total GHG emissions were equivalent to 1,056 million tonnes of CO2e, a 11.5% increase from 2012 levels.
Bulk carriers emitted 205 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021, comprising 19% of shipping's total CO2 output.
LNG carriers contributed 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2021, or 2% of the industry's total.
The EU shipping sector emitted 133 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, accounting for 13% of transport emissions within the EU.
Global shipping NOx emissions were estimated at 14.4 million tonnes in 2018.
SOx emissions from ships dropped by 70% globally between 2015 and 2020 due to the 0.5% sulfur cap.
In 2020, cruise ships emitted 231,000 tonnes of CO2 per vessel on average annually.
Short-sea shipping in Europe emitted 140 million tonnes CO2e in 2018.
Tankers emitted 234 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021, 22% of total shipping emissions.
Aviation-like growth in shipping emissions could reach 17% of global total by 2050 without action.
Ro-Ro cargo ships emitted 47 million tonnes CO2 in 2021, 4% of sector total.
Ferry emissions in Europe totaled 35 million tonnes CO2 in 2019.
Global shipping black carbon emissions from heavy fuel oil were 1.1 million tonnes in 2015.
In 2021, chemical tankers emitted 35 million tonnes CO2, 3% of total.
Offshore supply vessels emitted 12 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.
Container ship emissions per TEU dropped 28% from 2010 to 2020 due to efficiency gains.
Global shipping methane emissions from LNG propulsion were 200,000 tonnes in 2022.
In 2019, shipping contributed 13% of EU maritime NOx emissions.
PM2.5 emissions from ships were 2.1 million tonnes globally in 2015.
General cargo ships emitted 28 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.
Arctic shipping CO2 emissions rose 386% from 2004 to 2019.
Vehicle carriers emitted 22 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.
In 2022, intra-regional shipping emitted 40% of total sector CO2.
Fishing vessels contributed 1% of global shipping CO2, or 10 million tonnes in 2020.
Tugboats and dredgers emitted 15 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.
Transoceanic voyages accounted for 60% of shipping CO2 emissions in 2021.
Reefer ships emitted 8 million tonnes CO2 in 2021.

Emissions Interpretation

The shipping industry is a massive, varied fleet of floating smokestacks whose emissions are stubbornly climbing, making it alarmingly clear that without serious intervention, our global supply chain is on course to become one of our biggest climate problems.

Fuels

Methanol-fueled ships reduced CO2 by 15% compared to diesel in lifecycle analysis.
By 2023, 12% of new ship orders were for alternative fuel vessels, led by LNG at 8%.
LNG bunkering ports worldwide increased to 170 by end-2022.
Ammonia as a marine fuel could reduce GHG emissions by 65-90% by 2050.
Hydrogen dual-fuel engines for ships were ordered for 50 vessels by 2023.
Biofuel blends up to B30 are used in 5% of global shipping fleet.
Methanol-ready vessels numbered 300 by 2023, up from 50 in 2020.
LNG reduces SOx by 99% and NOx by 85% compared to HFO.
By 2030, alternative fuels projected to cover 20% of shipping energy demand.
Electric ferries in operation reached 200 globally by 2022, saving 100,000 tonnes fuel/year.
LPG as fuel adopted in 20 vessels by 2023, reducing CO2 by 15%.
Wind-assisted propulsion reduces fuel use by 5-20% on retrofitted ships.
Nuclear propulsion concepts could eliminate fossil fuel use in large ships.
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) used in 100+ vessels, cutting CO2 by 90%.
Dual-fuel ammonia engines certified for 10,000-tonne vessels by 2023.
Battery capacity in hybrid ships grew 50% YoY to 500 MWh by 2022.
e-Methanol production capacity for shipping targeted at 1 Mtpa by 2025.
Fuel cell ships in operation: 5 by 2023, with 50 MW total power.
UCOME biofuels reduce lifecycle emissions by 85% vs. fossil fuels.
Air lubrication systems cut fuel consumption by 5-10% on 50+ vessels.
Solar panels on cargo ships generate 200 MWh/year per large installation.
Carbon capture on ships captures 20% of exhaust CO2 in pilot projects.

Fuels Interpretation

The shipping industry is experimenting with a chaotic but hopeful menu of alternative fuels, from the modest but proven LNG to the sci-fi promise of ammonia, showing we're past the starting line but still miles from a clean finish.

Innovations

Wind tunnel optimization reduces drag by 10% on newbuilds.
Hull air lubrication systems save 8% fuel on 100+ retrofits.
Rotor sails (Flettner) on retrofitted bulkers cut fuel 8-10%.
Autonomous ships trials: 20+ by 2023, reducing crew emissions.
Digital twins optimize routes, saving 5% fuel fleet-wide.
Shaft generator tech boosts efficiency 10% on LNG carriers.
Just-in-time arrival reduces idling fuel by 14% in pilots.
Smart voyage optimization software adopted by 40% top operators.
Carbon capture retrofit captures 10% CO2 on ammonia pilot ship.
Hull cleaning drones remove 20 microns biofouling, saving 4% fuel.
AI weather routing cuts fuel 7% on transatlantic voyages.
Hybrid battery-sail systems in ferries save 30% diesel.
Superconducting motors increase efficiency 3% in electric propulsion.
Blockchain for fuel tracking reduces greenwashing by 50% in trials.
Kitesails on bulk carriers save 10-20% fuel over 10,000 nm.
Underwater radiated noise reduction via prop redesign by 10 dB.
Speed optimization reduces fuel 1% per 1 knot slow steaming.
LED lighting retrofits save 70% energy on 5,000 ships.
Waste heat recovery systems generate 10% ship power.
Autonomous underwater hull inspection robots in 50 ports.
IoT sensors monitor engine efficiency real-time, +2% savings.
3D-printed spare parts reduce inventory 30%, emissions.
Rotor tow optimization software boosts thrust 15%.

Innovations Interpretation

It seems the shipping industry, in its quest for cleaner seas, has become a high-tech scavenger hunt, gleefully squeezing out single-digit percentage savings from every nook and cranny of a ship, from the tip of its kite to the swirl of its propeller.

Regulations

MARPOL Annex VI compliance: 95% of fleet uses compliant fuel post-2020.
EU ETS inclusion for shipping starts 2024, covering 50% of voyages to/from EU.
IMO GHG Strategy targets 40% reduction by 2030, 70% by 2040 vs. 2008.
FuelEU Maritime regulation mandates 2% e-fuel share by 2025.
EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) applies to 90% of new ships >400 GT.
CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) rating implemented for 100% fleet >5,000 GT from 2023.
US Clean Air Act limits sulfur in US waters to 1,000 ppm since 2012.
California Air Resources Board mandates shore power for container ships.
EEXI retrofits required for 50,000 ships by Nov 2022.
Global sulfur cap 0.5% since Jan 2020, compliance 98% audited.
Ballast Water Management Convention ratified by 90 countries, covering 95% tonnage.
Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling entered provisional application 2023.
EU MRV regulation reports 1,000 million tonnes CO2 from 12,000 ships in 2022.
SEEMP (Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan) mandatory for all ships >400 GT.
NOx Tier III standards apply in US/Canada/EU SECAs since 2016.
India mandates biofuel blending 5% for ships by 2025.
Singapore Green Port Programme reduces emissions 15% via incentives.
Ship recycling IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) required for EU-registered ships.
Global Data Collection System (DCS) collects fuel data from 70,000 ships annually.
California zero-emission vessel goals: 40% by 2030 for drayage trucks equivalent.
RightShip GHG rating covers 25,000 vessels, influencing charter decisions.
IMO targets net-zero shipping by or around 2050.
EU Fit for 55 package includes shipping in ETS from 2024.

Regulations Interpretation

The shipping industry is now navigating a dense regulatory archipelago where compliance is the new cargo, and the old adage of "full steam ahead" has been replaced by the urgent, plotted course toward decarbonization.

Waste

Plastic pellet pollution from shipping: 100,000 tonnes/year lost overboard.
Sewage discharge from cruise ships: 1 billion gallons untreated annually pre-regulations.
Ship waste generation: 13 million tonnes solid waste/year globally.
Ballast water management: 10 billion tonnes exchanged annually, reducing invasive species by 90%.
Oil spills from tankers averaged 7 large incidents/year in 2010s, down 90% since 1970s.
Food waste from shipping: 2.5 million tonnes/year, 25% of onboard waste.
Scrubber washwater discharges: 12 million tonnes/day post-2020 sulfur rules.
Hazardous waste from ships: 1.2 million tonnes/year under MARPOL Annex V.
Marine plastic debris from fishing gear: 640,000 tonnes/year.
Greywater from cruise ships: 1 million tonnes/ship/year untreated.
Bilge water oily discharges reduced 80% by OWS since 1980s.
Cargo hold washings contribute 5% of ship-generated oily waste.
Port reception facilities handle 15 million tonnes waste/year in EU.
Incineration of ship waste: 1.5 million tonnes/year globally.
Lost shipping containers: 1,500/year, releasing 100,000 consumer goods into sea.
Antifouling paints release 100,000 tonnes biocides/year.
Sewage treatment systems installed on 90% of new cruise ships post-2010.
Shipbreaking waste: 1 million tonnes steel/year, with 5% hazardous.
Noise pollution from ships exceeds 180 dB in 10% of shipping lanes.
Microplastics from tire wear on ro-ro ships: 10,000 tonnes/year.
E-waste from ship electronics: 50,000 tonnes/year decommissioned.
Food packaging waste on ferries: 500,000 tonnes/year EU.
IMO 2020 sulfur cap increased scrubber sludge by 300,000 tonnes/year.
Ballast water treatment systems remove 99.99% organisms on 5,000+ ships.

Waste Interpretation

We've clearly mastered the art of moving mountains of cargo across the oceans, but our clumsy side hustle of dumping mountains of waste into them is a seafaring disgrace we can no longer afford.