- Emission levels do not always correlate with vessel numbers; Shanghai had the highest emissions despite fewer vessels than Singapore.
- Port congestion and inefficient operations significantly increase emissions, with U.S. ports experiencing the highest congestion and record container volumes in early 2025.
- Advanced technologies like Singapore’s Digital Twin system can help reduce emissions even with heavy port traffic.
- Factors such as port layout, terminal capacity, vessel waiting times, and engine idling play a crucial role in overall emissions beyond just vessel count.
A new study by VesselBot, a leader in emissions tracking and optimization technology, shows that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at major global ports are still rising. This is happening despite progress in technology and increased investment in sustainability. The report, titled Quantifying Port Carbon Footprints: Container Vessel Emissions Analysis in Major Global Terminals, offers valuable insights into the environmental impact of container shipping. It focuses on key ports in Europe, North America, and Asia, according to the report released by EIN Presswire.
Insights on Port Emissions and Operational Impact
The report reveals that emission levels do not always align with vessel traffic. For example, Shanghai recorded the highest emissions at 140,000 tons, surpassing Singapore despite handling fewer vessels. This highlights that port congestion and operational inefficiencies have a greater impact on emissions than vessel numbers alone. U.S. ports reported the highest congestion, particularly in January and February 2025, coinciding with record container volumes driven by early shipments ahead of new tariffs. In contrast, Singapore demonstrated how advanced technology, such as Digital Twin systems, can help manage high traffic while keeping emissions in check.
The report highlights the complex link between port operations and greenhouse gas emissions. It explains that while a higher number of vessels usually leads to more emissions, factors like performance and operational efficiency can help reduce the overall impact. VesselBot used detailed primary data, including vessel location, cargo volume, and operational patterns, to measure emissions with high accuracy. The study shows that port layout, terminal capacity, vessel waiting times, and engine use while idle all play a major role in emission levels. This research comes at an important time, as the maritime industry faces growing pressure to balance efficiency with stricter environmental rules.
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Source: EINPresswire
