The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) has introduced a carbon calculator that lets users assess the carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs/savings associated with moving cargo from foreign destinations to the East Coast.

"It will be of greatest use to sales teams, ocean carriers, BCOs (beneficial cargo owners), freight forwarders, students, maritime and rail enthusiasts, etc.," said Heather Wood, the VPA's environmental affairs director. "You will literally be able to calculate what the carbon output associated with moving international freight would be. It is a tool and it will help the users in their decision about how they want their cargo to move, especially if the environment and route efficiency is a factor in their decision making."

The "Go Virginia for Less CO2" calculator offers a choice of: 

• 11 foreign ports of origin in Europe, South America and Asia 
• 12 inland destinations 
• Five East Coast ports of arrival 
• Three inland intermodal modes (truck, barge, rail) 
• Vessel size 
• Route from Asia to the East Coast (Suez vs. Panama) 
• Cargo weight in tons 

It then calculates: 

• Ocean route distance from port of origin to port of arrival
• Inland route distance (specific to mode) from port of arrival to final destination
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in grams/TEU/mile for (ocean and inland routes) 
• Fuel costs per TEU in U.S. dollars 

Users may calculate up to three different route scenarios. The results are displayed on the calculator and can be emailed to the user.

The carbon calculator can be found on the Port of Virginia's website on the environment page or it can be accessed directly at http://gocarboncalculator.com/. The "GO VIRGINIA for LESS CO2" calculator will be updated semi-annually with changes in fuel prices. A West Coast port of arrival and inland land bridge component will be added later.