Practical Boat Owner 0shares Fitting sails and slowing down could cut shipping emissions up to 40% according to a new report by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Photo: VPLP Fitting sails to cargo ships and sailing more slowly could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry by up to 40%, according to a new report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Air pollution from shipping has increased rapidly over the last decade and there are few if any plans to reduce it since the IMO has brokered a deal to enable the industry to continue to increase its pollution until 2030. Most emissions are from international shipping, so they are not included in individual countries’ reduction targets.