- VesselBot’s Q2 2025 report shows global shipping remains the backbone of world trade, but emissions and efficiency trends reflect mixed progress.
- Trade disruptions, ship size, age, and regional route differences significantly influence emissions and operational patterns.
- Regulatory pressures and the need for data-driven monitoring are pushing the industry toward sustainable modernization and real-time emissions intelligence.
Shipping continues to handle nearly 90% of global trade, but the industry faces scrutiny over its carbon footprint amid shifting trade routes, geopolitical tensions, and environmental regulations. VesselBot’s Decoding Maritime Emissions, Q2 2025 provides insights into these challenges.
Key Industry Dynamics
In Q2 2025, 72,516 voyages were completed by 4,865 containerships. While voyages were down slightly (0.3%) from last year, the fleet size expanded by 8%, highlighting new vessel deliveries.
Trade disruptions shaped patterns: security risks in the Red Sea and Suez Canal diverted ships around the Cape of Good Hope, lengthening journeys. U.S. tariff policies also affected transpacific trade flows, with a strong start slowing by spring.
Emissions and Efficiency
- The industry recorded 46.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions in Q2, a 4.5% decline year-on-year.
- Average well-to-wake (WTW) intensity fell by 1.5% to 196.6 g CO₂e per TEU-km, reflecting efficiency gains.
- Despite Q2 progress, overall emissions in H1 2025 rose nearly 1% compared to 2024, due to high activity and rerouting earlier in the year.
Vessel Size and Age
- Feeder ships (up to 2,999 TEU) made up nearly 50% of voyages and contributed 26.7% of emissions, the highest intensity segment.
- Very Large Container Ships (VLCS, 17,000+ TEU) were most efficient, averaging 60.3 g CO₂e per TEU-km.
- Newer ships (<5 years) averaged 183 g CO₂e per TEU-km, while older ships (>20 years) had intensities of 234 g despite operating slower.
Routes and Regional Trends
Asia–Northern Europe trade: highest total emissions per voyage (13,185 tons), but lowest intensity (57.3 g) due to VLCS deployment.
North Europe–North America East Coast trade: least efficient, at 110 g intensity despite shorter distances.
Intra-Asia and regional trades: high intensity, linked to smaller vessels, lower utilization, and shorter voyages.
Shipbuilding Shifts
- China remains the leading shipbuilder, delivering over one-third of the global fleet and more than half of vessels under five years old.
- South Korea specializes in larger ships, with Korean-built vessels recording the lowest emissions intensity.
Data-driven monitoring is essential for identifying where emissions can be reduced.
Larger, newer ships help, but operational strategies—like optimizing speed, routing, and utilization—are equally critical.
With stricter disclosure rules (e.g., California climate laws, evolving EU regulations), companies need accurate, real-time insights for compliance and sustainability.
- Shipping is making gradual efficiency gains, but absolute emissions remain high given trade scale.
- Future progress will depend on scaling alternative fuels, fleet modernization, and advanced data tools.
- Real-time emissions intelligence will be central to balancing trade efficiency with sustainability in an increasingly complex maritime landscape.
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Source: Container News
