How Red Sea cargo shipping disruptions are increasing carbon emissions

HISTORY: This is a cargo ship, used to transport goods around the world and often through the Suez Canal in the Red Sea.

Every year, around 6,000 ships like these travel the world’s oceans – delivering $7 billion worth of goods to ports and producing climate-warming CO2 emissions along the way.

:: LSEG

But a wave of attacks on ships traveling through the Red Sea is forcing shippers to divert their vessels.

:: Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority

Here’s a look at the toll it’s taking on the environment.

:: How disturbances in the Red Sea are increasing carbon emissions

:: Houthi Military Media

Last year – Yemen’s Houthi rebel forces began attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea – in protest against Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip.

:: San Clemente’s journey before and after the conflict

:: Source: LSEG

Since then, hundreds of cargo ships – powered by heavy fuel oil – have been diverted around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, resulting in higher emissions.

:: Source: LSEG

:: 38% more CO2 emissions

This journey from Shanghai to Hamburg, for example, produces 38% more carbon dioxide, according to an analysis of LSEG tracking data.

:: Maersk

Tracking platform ShipsGo estimates that more than 600 ships have been rerouted since the attacks began in October and average transit times have increased by around 50%.

Each of the metal containers on board a ship can also be tracked individually as they travel to their destinations, so that companies buying or selling the goods can calculate their carbon footprint – a key step in reducing emissions.

Here is a visual representation of the amount of CO2 released in a container traveling its original route: about 1.07 tons.

And here’s what they actually issued – due to redirection.

On average – 1.35 tons of carbon dioxide per container.

At this rate, the additional emissions from a ship carrying 10,000 containers on a single rerouted trip would dwarf the Statue of Liberty.

This is risky for companies.

Ten of the world’s 30 largest companies have reported higher emissions figures in recent years – linked to maritime transport.

Delays in the Red Sea could make the situation worse.

Officials at some of these companies said that failing to reduce global emissions could risk alienating consumers, losing investors or jeopardizing their ability to secure sustainable financing.