The Impact of Different Carbon Emission Policies on Liner Shipping

Abstract

This paper considers the influence of different carbon emission policies for liner shipping. The transportation optimization models under four different forms of carbon emission policies (no carbon emissions constraints, carbon emissions tax, carbon caps, and carbon cap-and-trade) are developed. A real case is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models and comparative analysis of the impact of different carbon emission policies on shipowner’s profit and ship carbon emission. It is shown that the carbon caps form is the most direct method for reducing emission; the form of carbon emissions tax is a mandatory measure, which has the greatest impact on the profit of shipping companies; carbon cap-and-trade forms have weaker emission reduction effects, it is easier for enterprises to actively implement emission reductions and be highly motivated in the long run.