In 2025, the maritime transport industry managed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 1.3% despite increased activities and ship capacity. This reduction occurred while ship capacity increased by 2% and the total distance traveled increased by 1%.
Fuel Consumption Details
According to reports, annual fuel consumption in 2025 reached approximately 221 million tons, of which alternative fuels accounted for 18.3 million tons. The use of alternative fuels increased from 5.9% in 2019 to 9.5% in 2025. Among these, biodiesels have significantly increased their share of alternative fuel demand, reaching 12% compared to 6.2% in 2024.
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Impact on CO₂ Reduction
Despite increased demand and maritime activities, the average CO₂ emissions per ship decreased by 4%. This occurred while the average speed of ships increased in 2025, especially in container ships and tankers, indicating strong demand and higher utilization of ship capacity. The consumption of biodiesel, which reached 2.5 million tons, and the reduction in ship speeds are key factors in this decrease in CO₂ emissions.
In 2025, the carbon intensity per supply (AER) also improved, reaching 33.1% lower than 2008 levels. This progress reflects alignment with the goal of a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030. Continuing this trend in CO₂ emissions reduction could help the maritime transport industry get closer to its goals.
The Future of the Maritime Transport Industry
The maritime transport industry is approaching the extraordinary MEPC ES2 meeting on December 4, 2026, where decisions may be made regarding the IMO's net-zero framework. The 2025 statistics indicate that the industry is on the right path toward improving efficiency and reducing carbon intensity, although these advancements are still progressing slowly.
Given the increasing demand for LNG ships and geopolitical challenges, this sector requires more attention. In 2025, the share of compliant ships in the LNG sector decreased to 1.6%, necessitating continuous improvement and the adoption of more efficient measures.
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