Carbon emissions from the container shipping industry are reaching record levels as ocean going vessels sail longer distances to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The new data contained in Xeneta’s Carbon Emissions Index (CEI) highlights the adverse impacts on the industry’s efforts to curb emissions because of the conflict in the Middle East.

Xeneta calculates container shipping emissions hit 107.5 points in the first quarter of this year on its index. The CEI is based on average CO2 emissions per ton of cargo carried, with the baseline set in Q1 2018. Any reading below 100 indicates an improvement in carbon efficiency.

In addition to being the first time the average CEI has been above 100 at a global level, Xeneta reports it marks a 15.2 percent increase from the last quarter of 2023. They calculated that only five of the top 13 trade routes emitted less CO2 per ton of cargo this quarter, which is three fewer routes than in Q4 2023. It is also the lowest in any quarter since Q2 2018. 

The most dramatic increase comes for containers being shipped from the Far East to the Mediterranean. Xeneta reports carbon emissions increased by 63 percent during the period compared to the same period last year. From the Far East into North Europe, carbon emissions…