Carbon emissions from shipping rose in the six-year period to 2018 and accounted for 2.89% of the world’s CO2 according to the 4th IMO report recently issued. It has increased from 2.76% in 2012, when the last study period ended, and CO2 emissions grew to 1,056 million tonnes in 2018 compared to 962 million tonnes in 2012. While emissions in 2020 and 2021 are expected to be significantly lower due to the impact of COVID-19, the recovery trajectory will determine under what trends decarbonization is realized.

MCST partner Tristan Smith, with advisory group UMAS/University College London, said, “The report is positive towards the likelihood of achieving decarbonisation, as long as IMO and national governments now take strong policy action to help incentivise this.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-shipping-environment-imo-idUSKCN2502AY