Study on the spatiotemporal distribution of ship carbon emissions in Dalian Port based on AIS data

To explore the characteristics of carbon emissions from ships in port cities, this study takes Dalian Port as the object and uses an emission factor method that combines ship operating parameters with activity levels to construct a refined ship carbon emission inventory. Geographic information systems are used for spatial visualization analysis. Empirical research shows that the total carbon emissions from ships in Dalian Port in 2020 reached 1.4563 million tons, with oil tankers accounting for the highest proportion of emissions and the main engine system producing the largest proportion of CO₂. Research on spatiotemporal distribution shows that there is a significant peak in emissions from late autumn to winter (October December); The spatial clustering characteristics indicate that about 82% of the emissions are concentrated in the core operating area of the port and the inlet and outlet channels, especially around the ore terminal and oil loading and unloading area, forming a clear high-value aggregation zone. This study reveals the coupled impact mechanism of ship operation mode and port layout on carbon emission distribution, establishing an evidence-based framework for spatially differentiated management of ship-related emissions in port ecosystems.