The largest ships create the same amount of pollution as 50 million cars, increasing the risk of diseases like cancer and asthma. These cargo ships are powered by bunker fuel, which is diesel of such low quality that it is almost considered waste to be discarded compared to refined oil.
Are cargo ships worse than planes?
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.
What is a cruise ship pollution equivalent to?
A medium-sized cruise ship spews greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 12,000 cars, while environmentalists accuse big industry players of investing little in decarbonization, and of covering up endless delay tactics in a heavy coat of greenwash.