Shipping Carbon Calculator
Pick an origin and destination port or airport and we compute the distance and compare the CO₂e footprint of shipping it by sea vs air.
Select origin and destination to see emissions.
Track real emissions, automatically
Panvaya measures CO₂ for every shipment you track using its real route with no manual input. Generate sustainability reports free.
Methodology
Distance uses great-circle geometry with a routing uplift per mode (air ×1.15, sea ×1.6 for canal and continental detours). Emission factors follow the GLEC Framework: ocean ≈ 16 g CO₂e/tonne-km, air ≈ 649 g CO₂e/tonne-km. CO₂e = weight (t) × distance (km) × factor. Results are indicative estimates; actual figures vary by vessel type, aircraft, load factor and exact routing.
Frequently asked questions
How is shipping CO2 calculated?
Shipping emissions are estimated from three inputs: cargo weight, the distance travelled, and an emission factor for the transport mode. The calculator multiplies weight in tonnes by distance in kilometres by the relevant factor in grams of CO2e per tonne-km to produce a CO2e figure for the route.
What are GLEC emission factors?
The Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework is the industry-standard method for calculating freight greenhouse gas emissions across road, rail, sea, and air. It publishes default emission factors per tonne-km for each mode, which lets shippers compare carriers and routes on a consistent, recognised basis.
Why does air freight emit more CO2 than ocean?
Aircraft burn far more fuel per tonne of cargo than ships because they must generate lift and fly at high speed, while a single container vessel moves tens of thousands of tonnes at low energy cost per unit. As a result, air freight typically emits dozens of times more CO2e per tonne-km than ocean freight on the same lane.
Is the carbon calculator free to use?
Yes. The shipping carbon calculator is completely free and requires no sign-up or account. You can estimate and compare ocean and air emissions for any port or airport pair as many times as you need.
How accurate are the estimates?
The figures are indicative estimates intended for planning and comparison, not certified reporting. Real-world emissions vary with vessel or aircraft type, load factor, fuel mix, and exact routing, so treat the results as a well-grounded approximation rather than an audited number.
Can I use these figures for ESG or Scope 3 reporting?
These estimates are a useful starting point for understanding the footprint of a lane, but formal ESG or Scope 3 disclosure usually requires shipment-level data tied to actual routes. Panvaya measures CO2e automatically for every shipment you track, which is better suited to sustainability and Scope 3 reporting.
How is the carbon footprint of a shipment measured per TEU?
Per-TEU emissions express the CO2e attributed to one twenty-foot equivalent container on a given lane. It is derived from the vessel or aircraft emission factor, the cargo weight or container slot, and the distance travelled. Panvaya reports CO2e per shipment so you can compare lanes and carriers on a like-for-like basis.
How can shippers reduce their freight carbon footprint?
The biggest lever is mode choice: ocean freight emits a small fraction of what air freight does per tonne-km, so shifting suitable cargo to sea cuts emissions sharply. Consolidating shipments, improving container utilisation, choosing direct routings, and selecting carriers with modern fuel-efficient fleets all reduce it further.