A new pilot study from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the Norwegian Coastal Shipowners’ Association shows that sea transport can have 30–45% lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometer than previously assumed – and significantly lower than comparable road transport. The figures now give freight buyers, ports, and authorities a much sharper basis for decision-making when assessing the role of sea transport in a green and efficient transport system.
A new pilot study from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the Norwegian Coastal Shipowners shows that sea transport can have 30–45% lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-km than previously assumed, and significantly lower than comparable truck transport.
This article was previously published at www.shortseashipping.eu
The pilot study shows that freight transport by sea using modern vessels has substantially lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-km than road transport. The new, more precise analyses conclude that ship emissions are between 30% and 45% lower than in previous calculations. For some vessels, the numbers are even lower.
For example, A ship carrying 1,500 tonnes of cargo over 100 kilometers emits about 5.5 tonnes of CO₂. Previously, the emissions calculation was 12.1 tonnes.
This is a breakthrough for fairer and precise climate accounting. Now we can state that ships—and especially newer and more environmentally friendly ships—have a significant advantage over trucks when it comes to emissions per transported tonne.
Tor Arne Borge, CEO at the Norwegian Coastal Shipowners Association
Director‐General Ingrid Dahl Hovland at Statens vegvesen welcomes the new figures, which show an even higher reduction in CO₂ emissions than previously estimated. Statens vegvesen weighs emissions reductions together with price when awarding asphalt contracts. Evaluating contracts this way has halved CO₂ emissions from asphalt from 2020 to 2025, primarily through changes in raw materials and production processes.
Easier to choose climate-friendly
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s emission reduction requirements have also led to the signing of a contract for the construction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered cargo ship, which will transport asphalt and aggregates along the Norwegian coast.
For us to succeed in reducing emissions within asphalt transport as well, it is essential to document what actually works. These new analyses show that our suppliers will benefit from investing in newer and more climate-friendly vessels.
Ingrid Dahl Hovland, Director General, Norwegian Public Roads Administration
The new pilot study also documents a significant climate benefit of choosing traditional diesel-driven vessels over truck transport.
This shows that the green shift also involves correct data. Now we have figures that clearly document that the sea route is a climate-friendly alternative to the truck.
Eirill Bachmann Mehammer, Director of the Green Shipping Program
From 2024 onward, in all public procurements, climate and environment will weigh a minimum of 30 percent. Correct and up-to-date EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) values, therefore, give sea transport a real competitive advantage. As such, low-emission vessels can document their environmental benefit and compete on equal terms.