Sustainable Transport and the Environment Guide - Unite the Union

sound way to transport large volumes of goods across the world. Ninety percent of the
world’s manufactured goods and products travel by container ships and which has
doubled in 25 years, but when this fact is considered, the relative impact upon the
environment is low in comparison to other modes of transport.
For example, for every kilometre that a container ship carries a ton of cargo, it is far
more energy efficient and emits much less in the way of harmful CO 2 emissions than
any other type of freight transport, including airplanes, trucks and trains. It is
estimated that on average a container ship emits around 40 times less CO 2 than a large
freight aircraft and over three times less than a heavy truck. Container shipping is also
estimated to be two and a half times more energy efficient than rail and 7 times more
so than road.
Even so, the industry recognises it cannot rest on its laurels. It is by definition a large
industry and of course it does have an impact on the world around it. Container
shipping companies are therefore working hard, alongside environmental agencies
and governments, to minimise all impacts upon the environment.
For example, all member lines of CSIS work with, or are full members of, the Clean
Cargo Working Group and the World Shipping Council. The Clean Cargo Working
Group, set up by Business for Social Responsibility, develops voluntary guidelines
and metrics aimed at improving freight transport’s performance in environmental
sustainability. By taking a cooperative, pan-industry approach, the group helps to
promote environmental stewardship and sustainability in a competitive market.
Working with legislators, appropriate government agencies and international
organisations, the World Shipping Council focuses specifically on the areas of vessel
air emissions, ballast water management, and the protection of North Atlantic Right
Whales and coral reefs.
As well as industry regulations and voluntary codes of conduct, there are a great many
environmentally-focused design features specifically built into containers and the
ships that carry them. For example:
It is now possible to recycle 98% of most container ships
Containers are made of steel and are 100% recyclable
If they are not recycled to make new steel products they often become ‘static’
containers which can have charitable uses, such as schools in developing
countries, or use as storage
Many container shipping lines take steps to ensure that their ships travel at the
optimum speed for efficient fuel consumption
Developments in hull and propeller design continue to improve fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions – in fact a container ship now typically emits
about a quarter of the CO 2 it did in the 1970s as well as carrying up to ten
times as many containers
Use of lower sulphur fuels is increasing and maximum sulphur content
allowed in marine heavy fuel is now limited to 4.5 per cent, or as low as 1.5
per cent in some areas
All fuel is cleaned by filters and purifiers on board before use to help produce
cleaner emissions
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