THE FREIGHT HERO’S WEEKLY SUNDAY BLOG – FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Save Not Only Time and Money – Save CO₂ Emissions Too!
Container shipping in the Port of Rotterdam must meet increasingly strict environmental regulations, as mandated by both national and international authorities. These environmental measures promote sustainability, helping Rotterdam maintain its leadership in Europe for sustainable logistics. The online booking platform The Freight Hero supports shippers in choosing the right mode of transport and is launching a new online tool: Green Log.
Regulations and Environmental Impact
Environmental requirements lead to several binding commitments, each resulting in new policies.
1. CO₂ Reduction and Energy Transition
The maritime sector must contribute to the EU's Fit for 55 goals, which aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).
FuelEU Maritime obliges ships to gradually reduce their CO₂ intensity, with stricter standards from 2025.
Shipping companies are exploring alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
2. Shore Power Obligation
From 2030, it will be mandatory for large container ships in the EU to use shore power in ports, eliminating the need for diesel generators.
In collaboration with Rotterdam Shore Power (a joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and Eneco), APM Terminals Maasvlakte II will supply shore power from 2028 onward.
Expected result: nearly 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction per year — in line with EU regulations for 2030.
3. Sulfur and Nitrogen Emissions Reduction
Since 2020, IMO 2020 mandates max 0.5% sulfur in marine fuel (0.1% in emission control areas such as the North Sea).
From 2025, the North Sea becomes a Nitrogen Emission Control Area (NECA), requiring new ships to meet stricter NOₓ emission standards.
4. CO₂ Taxes and Emissions Trading System (ETS)
From 2024, maritime shipping is included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
Container ships arriving at the Port of Rotterdam must now purchase emission allowances — a strong incentive to adopt cleaner technologies.
IMO (International Maritime Organization)
The IMO requires all ships over 5,000 gross tonnage calling at EU ports to monitor and report their fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
How Is CO₂ Calculated?
Fuel contains carbon (C), which combines with oxygen (O₂) during combustion to form CO₂.
CO₂ Emissions = Amount of Fuel (tons) × Emission Factor
Emission factors:
HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil): 3.114 kg CO₂ per liter
MGO (Marine Gas Oil): 3.206 kg CO₂ per liter
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): 2.750 kg CO₂ per liter
Smart Shipping
The Freight Hero invests in smart shipping and digitalization to boost international logistics efficiency and reduce fuel usage. Key innovations include:
Autonomous shipping
Route optimization
AI-driven logistics
Green Log Tool
The new Green Log tool will calculate and compare CO₂ emissions for various transport modes, including:
Air freight
Ocean freight
Road transport
Rail transport
Inland waterway terminals
Users can then choose transport options based in part on carbon footprint.
The Freight Hero doesn't just save time and money – The Freight Hero also saves CO₂!