Maritime CO₂ emissions increases due to the Red Sea Crisis 2024, by route & scenario
The shipping industry in the Red Sea has been severely impacted since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. Multiple attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on container ships have resulted in significant rerouting of maritime traffic around the southern tip of Africa.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the increased distance travelled by rerouted ships have risen by 31 for journeys from Asia to Northern Europe and 66 percent for journeys from Asia to Mediterranean ports. Overall, emissions from container ships having to divert their usual routes could increase by between 260 and 354 percent due to longer distances, increased speeds, and changes to vessels.
