Climate & Environment

Shipping Emissions

Meaning statusEstablishedSource recordDirect document linkedWhy these are different

Definition

Shipping emissions are the greenhouse gases and air pollutants produced by maritime transport. International shipping accounts for roughly 3% of global CO₂ emissions — a share that would rank it among the top ten emitting countries — plus significant sulphur, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions affecting coastal populations. The IMO's 2023 GHG Strategy targets net zero from international shipping by or around 2050, with the sector included in the EU ETS from 2024.

References

IMOGHG emissions from ships — 2023 IMO GHG Strategy

Supports definition and framing.

Overview

How it is used

The concept structures IMO regulation (EEXI, CII, the 2025 net-zero framework), EU maritime climate policy (ETS, FuelEU Maritime), and charterer and financier alignment initiatives such as the Poseidon Principles.

Why it matters

Shipping carries around 80% of world trade; decarbonising it is both a climate necessity and a test of whether global industries can be governed globally.