Environmental responsibility

Larger vessel reduces emissions per cargo ton

A ship is the most environmentally friendly alternative for transporting large quantities of cargo. For instance, one Eira-size 20,000 dwt vessel is the equivalent of around 1,100 trucks with cargo capacity of 18 tons.

In general, smaller vessels consume more energy for the same transport work. The consumption per cargo ton transported with a coaster is on average three times higher than on our LNG powered vessels Viikki and Haaga.

One of the easiest ways to decrease carbon footprint is the use of bigger ships and to slow down their speed. However, it must be recognized that this is not possible for all of our clients and industries due to lot sizes and restrictions in harbours.

Smaller parcels will be shipped and small vessels will be trading also in the future. In order to provide environmentally superior alternative in the smaller vessel class, we are currently building twelve new, extremely energy efficient 5,350 dwt plug-in hybrid vessels which will join AtoB@C Shipping's fleet from Q3/2023 onwards.

Emissions to the water

Growth in a ship’s underwater hull is a factor that can significantly increase vessel’s fuel consumption. We do not use any harmful antifouling paints in our vessels. Instead, divers brush and clean vessels’ hulls in regular intervals. By keeping the hulls clean from algae and other sea organisms, we are able to reduce the resistance and consequently emissions as well. In 2021, we also acquired an underwater drone to our Raahe depot to help to determine the right time for hull cleaning.

By the end of 2022, all our owned vessels were equipped with ballast water treatment systems, which prevent invasive species to transfer between sea areas with the ballast water of the vessels. Ballast water is an essential for all types of vessels to ensure the stability and correct trim of the vessel.

Emissions are reported on EU and international level

Currently, the vessels’ carbon dioxide emissions are reported to two different systems: EU-led MRV and international, IMO-led DCS. The main difference is that MRV takes into account the voyages to and from EU-ports regardless of the vessel’s flag while IMO DCS takes into account all voyages of the vessel. In MRV-reporting, consumption at anchorage and at the port are excluded while IMO DCS takes into account those as well. ESL Shipping is responsible for reporting these figures for our own vessels. The figures submitted to MRV and DCS are verified by a third party, and Statement of Compliance is issued to each vessel.

However, emissions of 4,000-6,000 dwt vessels operated by AtoB@C Shipping are not reported to MRV or DCS. In order to achieve a comprehensive picture of the group’s environmental footprint, we have calculated the emissions of these vessels as well and they are included in the figures presented in our Sustainability Rreports.

It is noteworthy that MRV figures take into account the weight of the cargo, which results in poor figures when lightweight cargoes, which fill up the hold, are carried. These cargoes include for example project cargoes, wood pellets and some steel products such as pipes.