North America’s CO2 emissions
Report Details CO2 Emissions in North American Waterborne Transportation
The Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (BSMC) has released a new report today which provides a current benchmark for CO2 emissions from the major vessel sectors that make up maritime transportation in North America.
“Having a complete view of the North American maritime industry’s carbon footprint helps us better understand the sum of the challenge ahead of us and the solutions needed to address those challenges. This report drills down to the sector level, helping us focus and prioritize our efforts where they can have the biggest impact,” said David Cummins, BSMC President and CEO.
Developed by the Finance, Commercial and Chartering Workstream, the report found that CO2 emissions from North American waterborne transportation was approximately 47 million tonnes in 2018. Of the total North American maritime-related emissions, the offshore support vessel fleet and the inland tug and push-boat fleets make up nearly 50 percent of all emissions. Coastal and harbor tugs and ferries make up another 14 percent, and tankers and articulated tug-barges contribute 6 percent.
“Establishing a baseline for emissions that considers operational variables and unique sector characteristics is an important step in being able to measure progress toward our decarbonization goals. Sharing this data is key to building collaboration and trust among our stakeholders and helps chart a path forward together,” continued Cummins.
The analysis of the carbon footprint and emissions-free fuel requirement for the North American Waterborne Transportation (“NAWT”) business is undertaken by the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (“BSMC”).
Waterborne transportation encompasses both the movement of goods within the United States (“U.S”) and Canada as well as the waterborne imports and exports from the U.S. and Canada. This paper focuses on the emissions from movements on the inland and coastal waterways and in North American ports. It excludes emissions from internationally flagged vessels on their way to and from North America although emissions from U.S.-flagged vessels trading internationally and in the non-contiguous domestic trade are included.
Annual CO₂ emissions from the NAWT fleet and from ports in North America were estimated to amount to 66 million tonnes in 2018, approximately 1.0% of the 6,6571 million tonnes of total North American CO₂ emissions in that year. Of that 66 million tonnes, 47 million tonnes are attributable to fuel consumed by the NAWT fleet and 19 million tonnes by North American ports.
To read more, download a copy of the report by clicking here. For more information contact communications@bluesky-maritime.org.
About Blue Sky Maritime Coalition
Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (the Coalition) a non-profit corporation, is a strategic alliance formed to accelerate the transition of waterborne transportation in Canada and the United States toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Coalition brings together industry, community, government, academic leadership and other stakeholders across the waterborne transportation value chain to action projects that remove barriers to accelerating development, encourage innovation, and promote policies in support of zero emissions. Learn more at www.bluesky-maritime.org.
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