EU shipping emissions surged 13% in 2024 to their highest level since official monitoring began in 2018, with longer voyages around Africa driving the rise despite weaker trade, according to new analysis by environmental group Transport & Environment (T&E).
Container ships were the main contributors, with emissions jumping 46% as vessels sailed longer routes around Africa and at slightly higher speeds. T&E said the findings underline the importance of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) in curbing pollution and urged Brussels to expand it to smaller vessels.
T&E’s maritime transport policy officer Agathe Peigney said: “Last year’s record pollution shows that even when trade declines, disruption can lead to increased emissions from ships. With the inadequate IMO deal being shelved, the ETS carbon price has never been so crucial.”
The analysis also showed that MSC remained the EU’s top emitter with 15.6 million tonnes of CO₂. Fossil fuel carriers still account for about 20% of EU shipping emissions, with crude oil transport rising to 2019 levels despite falling LNG emissions.
