Discover the world's largest shipping companies ranked by fleet annual CO2 emissions (Scope 1) in ktonsCO2eq, updated for 2025. Our comprehensive analysis covers major global carriers and their direct annual fleet emission levels.
The podium below showcases the three shipping companies with the highest fleet annual CO2 emissions (Scope 1) measured in ktonsCO2eq. Tracking direct fleet emissions is essential for understanding each carrier's operational carbon footprint.

Fleet annual CO2 emissions (Scope 1) in ktonsCO2eq is the central metric in our ranking system. It measures the direct greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion across a company's operated fleet over one year. This factor provides the most direct view of a carrier's operational environmental impact. Companies with lower Scope 1 emissions relative to their transport work demonstrate superior fuel efficiency and cleaner operations.
The ranking process begins with data collection, gathering verified Scope 1 fleet emission data from IMO DCS, company sustainability reports, and classification societies.
Once collected, every data point undergoes a verification process where it is cross-referenced with multiple independent sources to confirm accuracy.
The comprehensive table below ranks the world's leading maritime shipping companies based on their fleet annual CO2 emissions (Scope 1). Additional metrics such as total CO2 reduction and alternative fuel adoption provide further context on each company's decarbonization trajectory.
Source: International Maritime Organization, 2025
Global fleet Scope 1 emissions decreased by 2,8% year-over-year, driven by fleet modernization and alternative fuel adoption.
Vessels running on LNG produce approximately 25% fewer Scope 1 CO2 emissions compared to conventional heavy fuel oil.
European carriers face direct carbon costs under EU ETS, creating strong incentives to minimize fleet Scope 1 emissions.
Asian carriers are focusing on engine efficiency and LNG adoption to reduce fleet Scope 1 emissions while maintaining growth.
The next stage is analysis, where companies are ranked by their fleet annual CO2 emissions (Scope 1) in ktonsCO2eq.
Finally, our rankings are updated quarterly, ensuring they reflect the latest emission measurements from vessel monitoring systems and regulatory filings.
Fleet Scope 1 emissions represent the direct carbon output of vessel operations, making them the most tangible measure of a carrier's environmental responsibility.
Scope 1 emissions are directly under a company's control, making them the clearest indicator of operational commitment to emission reduction.
IMO's Carbon Intensity Indicator directly measures Scope 1 efficiency, with ratings affecting vessel operational permits and charter eligibility.
ESG investors increasingly focus on Scope 1 emissions as the most reliable measure of a company's direct environmental performance.
68% of the global fleet achieved CII ratings of A, B, or C, indicating satisfactory Scope 1 carbon intensity performance.
Source: World Shipping Council, 2025
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View Fleet Size rankingRanking by million TEU transported
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View Volume Transported rankingRanking by container fleet capacity (M TEU)
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View Fleet Capacity rankingRanking by number of covered ports
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Ranking by presence in number of countries
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Ranking by number of maritime lines
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Ranking by EEDI (gCO2 per TEUkm)
Compare the Energy Efficiency Design Index of different shipping companie.
Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (EEOI)
See which companies are improving their Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator the fastest
Ranking by containers lost (% of moved TEU)
Compare companies based on their container safety record and loss prevention
Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (total operations)
See which companies are reducing their total carbon footprint the fastest
Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (fleet only)
Compare companies based on how quickly they re reducing their fleet emissions
Ranking by fleet % using biofuels or dual-fuel engines
Discover which companies are leading in the adoption of cleaner fuel technologies
Total fleet emissions (ktons CO2eq, Scope 1)
Compare the absolute emissions from shipping fleets without adjusting for company size
Total company emissions (ktons CO2eq)
See the total carbon footprint of shipping companies including all operations
Ranking by CO2 emissions (Well-to-Wake)
Compare the lifecycle CO2 emissions of shipping companies from fuel production to vessel operation
Ranking by annual % CO2 reduction (Scope 1)
Track which shipping companies are achieving the fastest annual reduction in direct CO2 emissions