Ships beat trucks – far greener than previous figures

Emissions from maritime transport in Norway are significantly lower than previously calculated, just 50% of earlier estimates, according to a pilot study by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and coastal shipping organization Kystrederiene.

The revised figures are based on comprehensive lifecycle analyses of entire transport chains and updated Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) standards. Ship emissions are now calculated at 30-45% lower than previous assessments, with some vessels performing even better.

For instance, a vessel carrying 1,500 tonnes over 100 kilometers now registers 5.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions, compared to the previous estimate of 12.1 tonnes.

“This is a breakthrough for fair and accurate climate accounting. We can now confirm that ships, particularly newer and more environmentally friendly vessels, have a significant advantage over trucks in emissions per tonne transported,” says Tor Arne Borge, CEO of Kystrederiene.

The findings give maritime transport a competitive edge in Norway’s public procurement process, where climate and environmental factors must account for at least 30% of contract awards from 2024.

Ingrid Dahl Hovland, Director of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, says the data validates investment in greener vessels. The agency’s emission requirements have already driven contracts for the world’s first hydrogen-powered cargo ship for coastal asphalt transport.

“For us to succeed with emission cuts in transport, it’s crucial to document what works. These analyses show our suppliers will benefit from investing in newer, more climate-friendly vessels,” Hovland says.

The study, conducted under the Green Shipping Program, provides municipalities and contractors with improved data for selecting sustainable bulk transport solutions for asphalt, aggregates, and other materials.