Understanding the Clean Cargo Methodology and What’s Changing

Understanding the Clean Cargo Methodology and What’s Changing

Write your awesome label here.
Ever wondered how emissions from container shipping are calculated? Let’s take a quick look at the Clean Cargo methodology—and what improvements are coming in the next few years. 

The Basics:
Clean Cargo uses a standard metric: grams of CO₂ equivalent per TEU-kilometer—the emissions from moving one 20-foot container one kilometer.

The Clean Cargo community includes carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers representing over 85% of global container shipping capacity. Carriers report ship-specific operational data twice a year, including:
  • Fuel use
  • Distance sailed
  • Vessel size
  • Operating days
  • Refrigerated container plugs
Using this data, along with GLEC-compliant emission factors, Clean Cargo provides harmonized, primary emissions data across the network—ensuring all stakeholders use the same reliable methodology.Using this data, along with GLEC-compliant emission factors, Clean Cargo provides harmonized, primary emissions data across the network—ensuring all stakeholders use the same reliable methodology.

What's New?

From Tradelane Averages to Port Pair Precision

We’ve moved from broad tradelane-based averages to port pair-based calculations.
For example, shifting from Asia to North Europe emission intensity to more granular Shanghai to Rotterdam or from Asia to Mediterranean will be available more granular as for example Hong Kong to Barcelona emission intensities.

This brings greater precision to emissions reporting, using real distance data from AIS vessel tracking.

From Estimated Capacity to Actual Cargo

Currently, emissions are calculated based on the assumption that vessels operate at 70% capacity utilization.

Starting in 2026, this assumption will be replaced by actual cargo carried data, resulting in more realistic emissions data based on what was truly transported.

From TEU-km Only to Tonne-km

By 2027, we’ll introduce emissions measurement per tonne-kilometer, not just per TEU-kilometer.
This accounts for cargo weight—crucial for sectors shipping heavy goods and for comparisons across transport modes like air and sea.

Better Fuel and Engine-Specific Data

As new fuels enter the market, we’re enhancing fuel type and engine-specific reporting.
This includes more detailed tracking for low-carbon fuels and LNG-powered ships, improving data quality and enabling more informed sustainability strategies.
Timeline of Improvements
These updates will roll out gradually:
  • 2025: Fuel type alignment and low-emission fuel reporting
  • 2026: Actual cargo data and engine-specific fuel consumption reporting
  • 2027: Tonne-kilometer reporting introduced alongside TEU-kilometer

Avoiding Double Counting
If you use book and claim systems—Clean Cargo avoids double counting through fossil baseline emission intensities.

Download our free infographic:
"What’s Changing in the Clean Cargo Methodology Over the Next 3 Years" – a visual summary of key updates.
To dive deeper into this topic, enroll in the courses below.

Courses Related to this subject: