The global economy relies on transport, but not all modes have the same environmental footprint. Shipping moves over 80% of global trade but accounts for only 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In comparison, aviation and road transport produce much higher emissions per tonne-kilometre, making shipping the most carbon-efficient way to move goods.

Shipping vs. Aviation vs. Road Transport: A Carbon Footprint Comparison

Every mode of transport has a carbon cost, but the differences between them are stark:

• Shipping: 10-15 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre
• Road transport: 60-150 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre
• Aviation: Over 500 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre

These numbers reveal a clear truth: moving cargo by ship is vastly more efficient than by truck or plane. While public discourse often focuses on the maritime industry’s emissions, shipping remains the most energy-efficient means of mass transportation. Given the sheer scale of global trade, if we shifted cargo from ships to planes or trucks, emissions would skyrocket rather than decrease.

That said, efficiency does not absolve responsibility. The shipping industry acknowledges its role in decarbonisation and has committed to ambitious targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The challenge is reducing emissions without disrupting trade – a task that requires alternative fuels, digital innovation, and regulatory collaboration.

The Future of Low-Emission Shipping

To further reduce its carbon footprint, the industry is investing in alternative fuels like:

•  LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) – Already cutting emissions today.
• Bio-LNG & e-LNG – Short-term solutions to reduce carbon intensity.
• Green ammonia & hydrogen – Long-term zero-emission alternatives.

Meanwhile, digital solutions are playing a crucial role.  AI-driven logistics, real-time emissions tracking, and smart port technologies are improving fuel efficiency and reducing delays, minimising emissions without compromising efficiency.

Aviation & Road Transport: The Bigger Decarbonisation Challenge

While shipping is actively working toward cleaner fuels and greater efficiency, road and air transport face greater hurdles:

• Road transport – Still heavily dependent on diesel and petrol, and while electric trucks are emerging, they face range and infrastructure limitations.
• Aviation – Has few viable alternatives to jet fuel. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) exist, but they are limited in availability, expensive, and only reduce emissions marginally.

In contrast, shipping already has viable pathways to alternative fuels, making it the most realistic industry to achieve meaningful emission reductions in the coming decades.

The UAE’s Role in Greener Shipping

As a global maritime hub, the UAE is leading efforts to decarbonise shipping while maintaining economic growth. With its strategic location and world-class port infrastructure, the UAE is driving sustainable shipping through initiatives such as:

• LNG bunkering, with Monjasa leading the region’s first LNG bunkering operation.
• Research into hydrogen and ammonia as future fuels.
• Digital innovations to enhance fleet and port efficiency.

Balancing Growth & Sustainability

Shipping must continue to support global trade while reducing its carbon footprint. It is already the most energy-efficient large-scale transport mode, and ongoing innovation will ensure it remains a competitive and sustainable backbone of global trade.