Shipping Emissions Surge as Vessels Avoid Red Sea Amidst Yemeni Attacks

Carbon emissions from container ships sailing from the Far East to the Mediterranean have skyrocketed by 63% in the first quarter of 2023, driven by the avoidance of the Red Sea due to security concerns. Emissions from ships sailing to North Europe also increased by 23% during the same period. The increase in emissions is attributed to longer航行distances and higher speeds to compensate for the diversions around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Air transportation has emerged as an alternative delivery method, with cargo shipments from Dubai to Europe increasing by 190% in March compared to 2023. However, air freight is more expensive and less sustainable than ocean freight, leading to concerns about increased carbon emissions. The European Union’s expansion of its Emissions Trading System to include large ships entering EU ports will further add to shipping costs.

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