MARITIME – POLLUTION PREVENTION & ENVIRONMENTAL CALCULATOR
Co2 Emission Transport
A precise tool.
What is the Co2 Emission Transport & How does it work?
Maritime transport is responsible for roughly 2‑3 % of global CO₂ emissions, primarily from the combustion of heavy‑fuel oil in ship engines. The amount of fuel burned – and thus the CO₂ released – depends on vessel size, speed, and the weight of cargo carried over a given distance.
A convenient way to express emissions for freight transport is the tonne‑mile metric, which multiplies the cargo mass (in tonnes) by the distance travelled (in miles or nautical miles). This normalises the impact of a voyage, allowing comparison across vessel types and routes.
Understanding the emission factor (CO₂ per tonne‑mile) for each vessel class enables operators to estimate their carbon footprint and explore mitigation strategies such as slower steaming, alternative fuels, or cargo optimisation.
CO_2 = EF \times D \times W
EF = emission factor (kg CO₂ per tonne‑mile)
D = distance travelled (nautical miles)
W = cargo weight (tonnes)
D = distance travelled (nautical miles)
W = cargo weight (tonnes)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate CO2 emissions for a ship?
Multiply the cargo weight in tonnes by the distance traveled in nautical miles.
What factors affect CO2 emissions from maritime transport?
Vessel size, speed, and cargo weight all influence CO2 emissions.
How is the tonne-mile metric used in this calculator?
It multiplies cargo mass by distance to normalize emissions for freight transport.
What percentage of global CO₂ emissions does maritime transport contribute?
Maritime transport is responsible for approximately 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions.
Why is heavy-fuel oil used in ship engines?
Heavy-fuel oil is used because it provides the necessary power for large vessels over long distances.
Can this calculator be used for international shipping?
Yes, the tonne-mile metric allows for calculations across various international routes and distances.
How does speed affect CO2 emissions in maritime transport?
Increased speed typically results in higher fuel consumption and thus greater CO₂ emissions.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.