by Nikol Hearn, winner of Future Maritime Leaders essay competition

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping industry's governing body, the sector is responsible for 2.2% of global emissions.

Without any intervention and if the current trajectory continues, shipping emissions are expected to grow by 50-250% by 2050.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping, but as a means of transportation shipping is the most CO₂ efficient, as it releases the least CO₂ per tonne travelled in comparison to air, road and rail.

Because of this, it remains the preferred method of transportation, carrying more than 80% of the world's goods.

As a large emitter in aggregate, there is therefore a key role for shipping to play in reducing the global carbon footprint and thereby achieving the sustainable development goal of climate action.

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