Ocean container shipping is experiencing its first notable improvement in carbon emissions performance, as reported by Xeneta. The Carbon Emissions Index (CEI) has dipped below 100 points for the first time in a year, registering at 97.4 points in Q2 2025. This marks a 4.5% decrease from Q1 2025 and a 7% drop from the previous high of 104.8 points in Q4 2024. Emily Stausbøll from Xeneta highlighted that this consecutive decline indicates a positive trend in reducing emissions.
The surge in emissions during 2024 was largely due to the Red Sea conflict, which forced ships to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly impacting trades between the Far East and Europe, as well as North America’s East Coast. Interestingly, despite ongoing rerouting in 2025, emissions are only 1.5% higher than in Q2 2023, when vessels primarily used the Suez Canal. Stausbøll noted that resolving the conflict could lead to a substantial reduction in global emissions.
The best-performing routes include those from the Far East to both the US East and West Coasts, with scores below 80 points for ten consecutive quarters. Factors like global trade patterns and vessel speed also affect emissions, with CMA CGM and HMM leading in performance across several major routes. As geopolitical challenges persist, shippers are encouraged to consider carbon emissions in their procurement decisions.
