Green Updates
Shipping’s Overlooked Climate Impact: Methane Emissions from Shallow Waters
A recent study from Chalmers University in Gothenburg has revealed a surprising new source of greenhouse gas emissions linked to shipping: methane bubbles released from seabeds in shallow waters near major ports. The research found that ships navigating these areas disturb the seabed, causing methane—a potent planet- warming gas to bubble up from the sediment and into the atmosphere.
What makes this finding particularly concerning is that nine of the world’s ten largest ports are located in such shallow waters. These bustling hubs of global trade may therefore be unknowingly contributing significantly to climate change beyond the well-known emissions from ship engines and fuel consumption.
Methane is a greenhouse gas many times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Until now, emissions from disturbed seabeds have not been included in shipping’s climate impact assessments, suggesting that the industry’s true environmental footprint could be much larger than previously understood.
The study’s findings underscore the need to rethink how we evaluate and mitigate the environmental effects of maritime transport. It also points to the importance of protecting sensitive marine environments and considering seabed disturbance in shipping route planning and port operations. As global efforts to decarbonize shipping intensify, this new research highlights an often overlooked but significant factor. Addressing methane emissions from seabed disturbances may become a critical piece in the puzzle to make shipping truly sustainable and reduce its contribution to climate change.
Green Ship Recycling: Pioneering a Sustainable Future for Maritime Decarbonization
NYK Group, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, has embarked on an ambitious project to develop a cutting-edge green ship recycling business. Partnering with Oono Development Co., Ltd., a specialist in industrial waste management, NYK aims to revolutionize ship dismantling by promoting a circular economy and advancing decarbonization efforts in maritime industries. This initiative, planned to launch by 2028, will establish a state-of-the-art facility in Chita, Aichi Prefecture, with an annual recycling capacity of 300,000 tons—equivalent to dismantling roughly 20 Panamax-class vessels per year, making it one of the largest and most advanced ship recycling operations globally.
At the heart of this project is the commitment to environmental responsibility throughout the entire ship recycling process—from dismantling vessels to handling hazardous waste. Ships are predominantly made of high-quality steel, which can be recycled efficiently, making ship recycling an essential component of sustainable maritime practices. As global steel production shifts from carbon- intensive blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces that use recycled scrap steel, demand for clean, high-quality steel scrap is soaring.
NYK’s president, Takaya Soga, highlights the company’s broader ESG strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrating decarbonization with circular economy principles. The partnership leverages NYK’s shipping expertise alongside Oono Development’s demolition and waste treatment knowledge, operating from a large dry dock capable of accommodating very large crude carriers (VLCCs). This allows for mechanized, safe, and environmentally sound dismantling processes, reducing reliance on manual labor, which has traditionally been a significant challenge in ship recycling, especially in countries like India and Bangladesh where manual dismantling is common.
Advanced technologies, including a 5G remote control system and heavy machinery equipped with steel-cutting attachments, will be used to minimize worker exposure to hazardous materials and speed up dismantling timelines. The facility will also incorporate efficient incineration systems that generate power from waste produced during
dismantling, promoting energy recovery and reducing environmental impact. Proper treatment and disposal of hazardous substances will be ensured through on-site analysis and controlled landfill management.
One key challenge is securing sufficient ship volumes to meet the ambitious target of 20 dismantled vessels annually. NYK plans to open the facility to other shipowners, building partnerships domestically and internationally to create a robust supply chain. Collaboration with the steel industry and trading companies will be crucial to maximize the value and utilization of recycled materials.
This project aligns with upcoming regulatory frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization’s ship recycling convention, set to take effect in mid-2025, which emphasizes safety and environmental protection in ship dismantling.
As the shipping industry navigates the dual pressures of decarbonization and resource circularity, NYK and Oono Development’s green ship recycling initiative represents a forward-looking model. By combining innovation, technology, and environmental stewardship, this venture is poised to set new global standards for sustainable ship recycling and contribute meaningfully to maritime decarbonization goals.
Sources:
- NYK Group Press Releases (June 2025)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ship Recycling Convention
- Industry Reports on Steel Recycling and Maritime Sustainability