The first quarter of 2025 revealed a troubling rise in greenhouse gas emissions from container vessels at major global ports, according to a comprehensive new analysis by data intelligence company VesselBot.
Their report, Quantifying Port Carbon Footprints: Container Vessel Emissions Analysis in Major Global Terminals, paints a detailed picture of emissions patterns, congestion levels, and operational inefficiencies at over a dozen critical ports across North America, Europe, and Asia. The findings suggest that despite technological progress and decarbonization commitments, many ports are falling behind in the race to curb emissions.
Shanghai and Singapore Lead in Emissions – But for Different Reasons
The Port of Shanghai (CNSHA) recorded the highest greenhouse gas emissions of all ports analyzed in Q1 2025. While the Port of Singapore (SGSIN) handled a greater number of unique vessels, Shanghai’s congestion and inefficiencies pushed its emission totals significantly higher.
Why? According to VesselBot’s telemetry data, Shanghai’s emissions spike correlates with increased container traffic and extended vessel idling times. The jump was particularly pronounced in early April, immediately following the U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese imports, which rose from 125% to 145%. This sudden regulatory shift triggered a rush in shipments and bottlenecked operations.
Singapore, on the other hand, is deploying Digital Twin technology to manage vessel flow more efficiently. The Tuas Terminal—among the world’s most automated—handled over 10 million TEUs by February, yet maintained more sustainable emission levels thanks to streamlined logistics and real-time operational data integration.
U.S. Ports Swell with Pre-Tariff Cargo Volumes
In North America, several ports saw record-breaking container volumes, largely driven by businesses attempting to beat U.S. tariff deadlines:
- Port of Long Beach (USLGB) and Port of Los Angeles (USLAX) experienced a surge in port calls and TEU volumes in January.
- Port of Savannah (USSAV) broke records with over 570,000 TEUs imported in February and March.
- Port of Norfolk (USORF) saw its highest monthly TEU intake in March.
- However, the Port of Houston (USHOU) faced a 29% drop in channel activity by February due to dense fog, leading to vessel delays and higher emissions from extended anchoring and maneuvering.
Europe’s Mixed Bag: Delays, Growth, and Sustainability Challenges
In Europe, the data show a complex interplay of congestion, operational success, and environmental costs:
- Port of Rotterdam (NLRTM) led the continent with nearly 3.5 million TEU imports and the highest GHG emissions in Europe. Much of this is due to its lengthy riverine approach, which forces ships to idle at reduced speeds.
- Port of Algeciras (ESALG) recorded a 9% drop in cargo traffic but remains a critical bunkering hub, maintaining its high emissions due to ship servicing.
- Port of Valencia (ESVLC) experienced significant growth, with triple-digit import increases from Australia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
Vessel Numbers Don’t Equal Emissions – But They Matter
A key takeaway from VesselBot’s report is the quasi-linear relationship (R² = 0.8402) between vessel numbers and port emissions. That means emissions generally rise with vessel arrivals—but not always.
For example, Singapore managed higher throughput with fewer emissions due to efficient scheduling and infrastructure. Meanwhile, ports like Shanghai, despite fewer vessel calls, saw spikes due to operational delays and limited terminal capacity.
Waiting Times: A Major Emissions Driver
Average waiting times in Q1 2025 reveal where inefficiencies pile up:
- Northern European ports like Rotterdam saw delays exceeding four days.
- In the U.S., ports were inundated by early-year surges.
- Port of Manzanillo (MXMZT) in Mexico showed significant delays despite handling relatively low cargo volumes—highlighting the broader North American congestion issue.
According to the data, roughly 8.4% of the global container fleet was delayed as of March, driven by a mix of geopolitical tensions, labor strikes, and severe weather.
