Shippers’ choice of carrier can play a decisive role in reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and keeping carbon costs under control, according to the latest edition of OceanScore’s Scope 3 at Sea report.
The analysis of the Asia–Northern Europe trade lane (January–June 2025) shows that while average emissions matter, consistency across voyages is just as critical. Operational factors such as vessel utilization, sailing speeds, and carbon intensity vary widely between carriers, exposing shippers to significant differences in emissions profiles and, ultimately, compliance risk and costs.
“On long-haul corridors, the difference between vessels can be huge,” says Thomas Smith, head of cargo solutions at OceanScore. “A well-utilized, fuel-efficient ship can emit far less per container than one that sails faster or emptier. What matters most for shippers is predictability: carriers that make steadier low-carbon choices over time help reduce Scope 3 exposure and avoid carbon cost volatility.”
Key takeaways:
· Carriers with steadier utilization and speed profiles help shippers reduce the risk of extreme carbon spikes.
· Looking beyond simple CO₂/ton-km averages reveals which carriers deliver reliable low-carbon performance over time.
· On the Asia–Northern Europe corridor, MSC and OOCL stood out for combining below-average carbon intensity with more consistent operational profiles, illustrating how carrier practices translate into more stable emissions outcomes.
· The analysis goes beyond simple averages to benchmark carriers on three key operational factors driving Scope 3 outcomes: Carbon intensity (gCO₂/tonne-km); speed profiles (ULCV sailing speeds); and utilization consistency (how steadily ships are filled).
