Benefits of carbon reduction in shipping


The advantages of carbon reduction in shipping extend across multiple logistics and transport sectors, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient global transportation system. The benefits align with broader efforts to create a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to transportation and logistics. Carbon reduction is the process of adopting green shipping methods to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air caused during transportation of goods through trains, trucks, ships and planes. Let us learn more about the advantages of carbon reduction in shipping.

 Define carbon reduction in shipping

Carbon reduction strategies, technologies and measures are employed to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. These may include improving energy efficiency, shifting from fossil fuels to sources such as wind power, solar power and biofuels, and adopting sustainable practices in different sectors like transportation, manufacturing or agriculture. Carbon reduction includes carbon capture and storage (CCS), reforestation, and embracing circular economy principles to reduce waste and emissions. The overarching objective is to mitigate climate change and its negative effects on natural ecosystems and human health.

 Causes of carbon emission in shipping

The reasons for carbon emissions in shipping are-

  • Excessive use of fossil fuels- Fossil fuel by-products such as petroleum, diesel, and gasoline are enriched with high carbon content. A large number of ships, trucks, and planes depend on fossil fuels as a source of energy. Daily carbon emissions are high since the transportation industry operates many trucks, trains, planes, and ships.

  • Inefficient engines- Inefficiencies in combustion engines can lead to incomplete fuel burning, which in turn adds more pollutants, such as carbon monoxide.

  • Lack of alternative fuels-  Although there are a variety of alternative fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and natural gas, the shipping industry cannot operate on them to their full potential. The limited availability of alternative fuels contributes to continued reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Lack of route optimization- Vehicles, ships, or planes moving through traffic-laden routes result in increased idling and continuous engine starting and stopping. This causes higher fuel consumption and increased carbon emissions.

 Advantages of carbon reduction in shipping

The benefits of carbon reduction in shipping are as follows-

  • Mitigating climate change- The International Maritime Organisation's efforts, through EEXI and CII regulations, are moving the shipping industry towards carbon reduction. Since the carbon dioxide released from transportation significantly contributes to global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions combats climate change.

  • Reduces dependence on non-renewable sources- Fossil fuels are primarily used across the shipping industry as a source of energy. With carbon reduction initiatives, shipping companies are switching towards alternative fuels that are cleaner energy sources, which helps significantly reduce carbon emissions.

  • Cost savings- Cleaner energy sources offer a better investment rate, decreasing operational costs and contributing to lower shipping rates in trade. The government also provides various grants and incentives to shipping companies that are adopting the green revolution in shipping.

  • Reduces carbon footprint-  By reducing global shipping emissions, the carbon footprint of every organization decreases, making them more reliable and desirable for shippers as service providers.

  • Promotes innovation—Digitisation in shipping results from the demand for solutions to multiple shipping challenges, including carbon reduction. Thus, it promotes innovations and new solutions that can enhance the face of global shipping.

 These are a few advantages of carbon reduction in shipping that attract various organizations and companies in trade to adopt green shipping methods.

 LOTUS Containers is a global marketer of shipping container solutions that offer shipper-owned containers (SOCs). With a range of shipping containers available, they sell and lease shipping containers in different sizes.


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