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Environment
Container shipping is the most environmentally sound way to transport large volumes of goods across the world. Most of the world’s manufactured goods and products travel by container ship and, when this startling fact is considered, the relative impact upon the environment is low in comparison to other modes of transport.
For example, for every kilometre that a container ship carries a ton of cargo, it is far more energy efficient and emits much less in the way of harmful CO2 emissions than any other type of freight transport, including airplane, truck and train. It is estimated that on average a container ship emits around 40 times less CO2 than a large freight aircraft and over three times less than a heavy truck. Container shipping is also estimated to be two and a half times more energy efficient than rail and 7 times more so than road.
Even so, the industry recognises it cannot rest on its laurels. It is by definition a large industry and of course it does have an impact on the world around it. Container shipping companies are therefore working hard, alongside environmental agencies and governments, to minimise all impacts upon the environment.
For example, all member lines of CSIS work with, or are full members of, the Clean Cargo Working Group and the World Shipping Council. The Clean Cargo Working Group, set up by Business for Social Responsibility, develops voluntary guidelines and metrics aimed at improving freight transport’s performance in environmental sustainability. By taking a cooperative, pan-industry approach, the group helps to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in a competitive market. Working with legislators, appropriate government agencies and international organisations, the World Shipping Council focuses specifically on the areas of vessel air emissions, ballast water management, and the protection of North Atlantic Right Whales and coral reefs.
As well as industry regulations and voluntary codes of conduct, there are a great many environmentally-focused design features specifically built into containers and the ships that carry them. For example:
It is now possible to recycle 98% of most container ships
Containers are made of steel and are 100% recyclable
If they are not recycled to make new steel products they often become ‘static’ containers which can have charitable uses, such as schools in developing countries, or use as storage
Many container shipping lines take steps to ensure that their ships travel at the optimum speed for efficient fuel consumption
Developments in hull and propeller design continue to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions – in fact a container ship now typically emits about a quarter of the CO2 it did in the 1970s as well as carrying up to ten times as many containers
Use of lower sulphur fuels is increasing and maximum sulphur content allowed in marine heavy fuel is now limited to 4.5%, or as low as 1.5% in some areas
All fuel is cleaned by filters and purifiers on board before use to help produce cleaner emissions
The majority of container shipping lines have replaced tin-based ‘anti-fouling’ paint on ship hulls with a more environmentally-friendly alternative
New paints that keep hulls free of barnacles and other sea life offer energy efficiencies of around 10%
Furthermore, container shipping companies have risk management plans, environmental policies and trained staff available so they can anticipate and avoid, or react to, environmental issues or crises.
So through this mix of regulation, voluntary codes of conduct and from environmentally-aware design to operation, the container shipping industry is continually striving to reduce its impact on our environment.
Container shipping is the most environmentally sound way to transport large volumes of goods across the world. Most of the world’s manufactured goods and products travel by container ship and, when this startling fact is considered, the relative impact upon the environment is low in comparison to other modes of transport.
For example, for every kilometre that a container ship carries a ton of cargo, it is far more energy efficient and emits much less in the way of harmful CO2 emissions than any other type of freight transport, including airplane, truck and train. It is estimated that on average a container ship emits around 40 times less CO2 than a large freight aircraft and over three times less than a heavy truck. Container shipping is also estimated to be two and a half times more energy efficient than rail and 7 times more so than road.
Even so, the industry recognises it cannot rest on its laurels. It is by definition a large industry and of course it does have an impact on the world around it. Container shipping companies are therefore working hard, alongside environmental agencies and governments, to minimise all impacts upon the environment.
For example, all member lines of CSIS work with, or are full members of, the Clean Cargo Working Group and the World Shipping Council. The Clean Cargo Working Group, set up by Business for Social Responsibility, develops voluntary guidelines and metrics aimed at improving freight transport’s performance in environmental sustainability. By taking a cooperative, pan-industry approach, the group helps to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in a competitive market. Working with legislators, appropriate government agencies and international organisations, the World Shipping Council focuses specifically on the areas of vessel air emissions, ballast water management, and the protection of North Atlantic Right Whales and coral reefs.
As well as industry regulations and voluntary codes of conduct, there are a great many environmentally-focused design features specifically built into containers and the ships that carry them. For example:
It is now possible to recycle 98% of most container ships
Containers are made of steel and are 100% recyclable
If they are not recycled to make new steel products they often become ‘static’ containers which can have charitable uses, such as schools in developing countries, or use as storage
Many container shipping lines take steps to ensure that their ships travel at the optimum speed for efficient fuel consumption
Developments in hull and propeller design continue to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions – in fact a container ship now typically emits about a quarter of the CO2 it did in the 1970s as well as carrying up to ten times as many containers
Use of lower sulphur fuels is increasing and maximum sulphur content allowed in marine heavy fuel is now limited to 4.5%, or as low as 1.5% in some areas
All fuel is cleaned by filters and purifiers on board before use to help produce cleaner emissions
The majority of container shipping lines have replaced tin-based ‘anti-fouling’ paint on ship hulls with a more environmentally-friendly alternative
New paints that keep hulls free of barnacles and other sea life offer energy efficiencies of around 10%
Furthermore, container shipping companies have risk management plans, environmental policies and trained staff available so they can anticipate and avoid, or react to, environmental issues or crises.
So through this mix of regulation, voluntary codes of conduct and from environmentally-aware design to operation, the container shipping industry is continually striving to reduce its impact on our environment.
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