Panama Canal announces reduction of more than 13 million tons of CO2 in 2020

By offering ships a shorter path, the Panama Canal has led to a reduction of more than 13 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions in 2020.

These savings are equal to the greenhouse gas emissions of 2.8 million year-driven passenger vehicles or carbon sequestered by 217 million 10-year-old tree seedlings, the canal authority said.

The Panama Canal is introducing a CO2 Emissions Dashboard as a way to help inform how the maritime industry adopts carbon footprint reduction measures and to mark the anniversary of the introduction of IMO 2020 sulphur reduction. The aim of this report will be to publish monthly data on CO2 emissions saved by vessels that have chosen to cross the Panama Canal on the most probable alternative route.

“The Panama Canal has long looked for ways to provide greater value to customers beyond serving as a shortcut, with environmental benefits at the forefront of that effort,” stated Ricaurte Vasquez Morales Panama Canal Administrator.

Maritime Business World