Loading Page...

Do ships pollute more than planes?

“According to our calculations, a cruiseliner such as Queen Mary 2 emits 0.43kg of CO2 per passenger mile, compared with 0.257kg for a long-haul flight (even allowing for the further damage of emissions being produced in the upper atmosphere).



People Also Ask

Flights emit 500 grams of carbon dioxide/metric tons of cargo per kilometer of transportation. However, ships emit only between 10 to 40 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The carbon footprint of airplanes is 20 to 30 times more than ships.

MORE DETAILS

According to the World Bank, in 2022, the shipping industry's 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions make it the sixth largest greenhouse gas emitter worldwide, ranking between Japan and Germany.

MORE DETAILS

In terms of transporting cargo, container ships are by far the most energy efficient form of transport compared to trains, trucks, and planes.

MORE DETAILS

Finally, the plane is the most polluting means of transport and the one that generates the most greenhouse emissions.

MORE DETAILS

Trains. Besides walking and biking, traveling by train remains one of the greenest and most environment-friendly options when getting around. Regardless if electric or diesel-powered, trains emit between 66 and 75 percent fewer carbon emissions when compared to cars and airplanes.

MORE DETAILS

Compared to flying, using the train emits on average six times less GHG emissions.

MORE DETAILS

The most obvious and climate-friendly solution is riding aboard a cargo ship, thousands of which cross the Atlantic each year.

MORE DETAILS

Carrying more than 90% of the world's trade, ocean-going vessels produce just 3% of its greenhouse-gas emissions. But the industry is dirtier than that makes it sound. By burning heavy fuel oil, just 15 of the biggest ships emit more of the noxious oxides of nitrogen and sulphur than all the world's cars put together.

MORE DETAILS

Port pollution: Cruise ships generate plastic waste not only while at sea but also while in port. This can contribute to plastic pollution in the surrounding waters and on nearby beaches.

MORE DETAILS

The filthy fuel (called marine gas oil) means the big diesel engines on cruise ships emit tons of toxic smog that people on board and in port cities have to breathe. And while the smog is the most obvious in port, cruise ships also emit tons of greenhouse gases. (Cruising is actually worse for the climate than flying.

MORE DETAILS

All ship travel benefits The spaces of the ships also allow more freedom of movement but above all comfort: larger armchairs, bed options, TV and video game rooms, bars and restaurants, play areas for children. You can also converse with your travel friends more freely.

MORE DETAILS

Area and flight level Specific areas have been designated where fuel dumping is allowed to avoid damage or harm where the fuel may drop; generally speaking, this is above seas or unpopulated areas above land.

MORE DETAILS