Carbon Footprint of Bulk‑Mineral Shipping
1 Why it matters
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Scope 3 emissions from ocean freight can equal 30‑50 % of a talc or ore’s cradle‑to‑gate carbon footprint.
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EU ETS maritime extension (2024‑2026) and upcoming IMO CII taxes will monetise CO₂, affecting CIF pricing.
2 Key emission factors (2025 averages)
| Vessel type | Capacity | g CO₂ / t·km | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handy‑size bulk (25‑39 kt) | 28 000 DWT | 9–12 | Dominant for Pakistan→UAE talc, Sb ore short hauls. |
| Supramax (50‑60 kt) | 56 000 DWT | 6–8 | China→EU limestone, barite. |
| Panamax (70‑85 kt) | 79 000 DWT | 4–6 | Long‑haul iron ore, barite. |
| Feeder container (1 400 TEU) | n/a | 24–28 | Bagged filler in TEUs; includes reefer genset share. |
Sources: IMO 4th GHG Study 2023, Clarksons Q1‑2025 bunker data.
3 Quick calculation template
Route: Karachi → Jebel Ali
Distance (nautical miles) = 680 nm ≈ 1 260 km
Ship: Handy 28 kt → EF = 10 g CO₂ / t·km
Cargo: 9 000 t talc lumps
CO₂ = EF × distance × tonnes
= 0.01 kg × 1 260 km × 9 000 t
≈ **114 t CO₂** per voyage
Per‑tonne emission = 114 000 kg / 9 000 t = **12.7 kg CO₂ / t**
Add this to product LCA as “Transport – ocean” line item.
4 Mitigation levers
| Lever | Typical CO₂ cut | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bigger vessel / co‑loading | 15‑40 % | Combine lots to fill Supramax; lower g CO₂ / t·km. |
| Slow steaming (–2 knots) | 10‑15 % | Charterparty must allow; may extend lay‑can. |
| Green bunker fuel blend (B30 VLSFO‑bio) | 20‑25 % | Premium ~US $80 / t fuel; require proof of blend. |
| Back‑haul utilisation | 100 % of would‑be ballast leg | Coordinate return cargo (e.g., gypsum). |
| Scope 3 offset purchase | Variable | Use Verra/Gold Standard; disclose separately from in‑setting. |
5 Reporting & compliance frameworks
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ISO 14083 (2023) – GHG calculation for transport chains; use when certifying product LCA.
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EU ETS Maritime – 40 % of voyage CO₂ for non‑EU legs touching an EU port charged €65 / t (2026 schedule).
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Sea Cargo Charter – Finance sector requires annual CO₂ intensity reporting vs IMO trajectories.
6 Data checklist before booking
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Distance (actual great‑circle + routing deviations).
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Vessel DWT & design speed.
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Engine type & fuel (HFO, VLSFO, LSFO‑bio, LNG‑dual).
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Load factor (cargo tonnes ÷ DWT).
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Ballast assumption (deduct if return cargo planned).
7 Quick reduction roadmap for a filler exporter
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Benchmark current kg CO₂ / t for each lane using ISO 14083 tool.
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Prioritise high‑intensity lanes (>25 kg CO₂ / t) for action.
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Negotiate clauses: charterer may request CII rating B or better, slow‑steaming permission, biofuel option.
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Track & disclose in ESG report; state per‑tonne freight CO₂ alongside product carbon footprint (PCF).
(Updated June 2025)