Ships' CO2 'twice that of planes' - BBC

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Friday, 19 October 2007, 02:51 GMT 03:51 UK

Ships' CO2 'twice that of planes'
By Matt McGrath
Environment reporter, BBC News

Global emissions of carbon dioxide from shipping are
twice the level of aviation, one of the maritime
industry's key bodies has said.

A report prepared by Intertanko, which represents the
majority of the world's tanker operators, says emissions
have risen sharply in the past six years.

Previous International Maritime Organisation estimates
suggested levels were comparable with those of planes.

-snip-

It says that growth in global trade coupled with ships
burning more fuel to deliver freight faster has
contributed significantly to the increase.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7052037.stm

That's why sending bulk goods by ship is so much cheaper than air delivery, which is why such a HUGE volume of goods go by ship, which is why all ships combined produce more CO2 than all planes combined -- there are more of them, and they're doing enormously more work, overall.

That said, increasing shipping is a move away from local production/consumption, and is not helping things. And trying to push ships faster is definitely bad news. But, hey, that's the magic of the free market, wouldn't want to do anything to stay the invisible hand. :sarcasm:

ETA: last para

sulfar out put. This is because the fuel, the bunker c, is of such low quality. It basically the sludge that is left over after oil is refined. nasty nasty stuff.

more CO2 released.

heavy metals that is also spewed out by this stuff.

and since weather patters traditionally move from west to east, a recent report stated that up to 40% of the pollution in L.A. is caused by exhaust from shipping. Another huge percent is via china.

Limit the cruising and max speed of the ship and you will cut fuel consumption big time, it may take fifty thousand HP to move a large cargo ship 18 to 20 knots. But to go faster drag comes in to play and it would take another fifty thousand HP to move it just 2 to 4 knots more. For the environment I think a few knots to save time is not worth it even though the bigger the engine the more efficient it is, but only a few more points.