Distance and CO₂ Calculator

Pick two ports and enter the cargo weight to see the estimated sea route distance and CO₂ emissions by mode.

How we calculate

Sea distance is a rough route between the two ports along major sea lanes (straits, the Suez and Panama canals and the great capes). Road and rail add a margin to the great-circle distance, and air allows for take-off and landing.

Emissions are distance (km) × cargo (tonnes) × emission factor (g CO₂e per tonne-km). The factors are typical averages used for planning in the industry.

Reading the results

The tool shows the difference between modes. Real emissions depend on vessel size, load factor, fuel and routing. For a carbon report you will share with customers or auditors, use the carrier's official data.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the sea distance so much longer than the great-circle distance?

Ships sail around continents and through straits and canals. From Istanbul to Hamburg, for example, a vessel goes via Gibraltar, so the sea route is more than three times the straight-line distance.

Which mode has the lowest emissions?

Per tonne-kilometre, sea and rail are lowest and air is highest, but route length can change the overall picture.