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Aug 15, 2023

Shipping Industry Has a Pollution Problem: Burning Fuel While Waiting at Port

Both old and new strategies to cut emissions are being tried, but they barely

Both old and new strategies to cut emissions are being tried, but they barely touch the dirty truth at the heart of ocean transport.

Container ships moored off the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach during the supply chain chaos of 2021.

William Ralston

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Singapore-based BW LPG goes about its business differently than many shipowners. If during a vessel's passage it becomes clear that a berth won't be free upon arrival at port, the ship will simply slow down so it shows up when there's room.

By not being forced to wait for days or weeks at a time, fuel is saved and emissions avoided—since these massive ships can't just power down at anchor. Last year, the strategy equated to more than 500 metric tons of unburned fuel, according to BW Vice President and Head of Operations Prodyut Banerjee.