Abstract: Based on parameters such as speed, sailing time and geographical information obtained from automatic identification system (AIS) and activity-based approach, an emission inventory of ocean-going vessels (OGVs) in Dalian coastal area in 2012 was established. Results showed that the total emissions of PM₁₀, NO_x, SO_x, CO, HC and CO₂ from OGVs were 5,5 t, 51,1 t, 49,7 t, 4,7 t, 2,0 t and 2,5,388 t, respectively. About 75.0% of emissions happened during berth hoteling, with slight differences between vessels and pollutants. It could be clearly seen from the spatial distribution of emissions that the port area was the densest, where vessels berth. The top four types-dry bulk carrier, container, cruise and oil tanker-accounted for 90.9% of DPM (diesel particulate matter), 91.4% of NO_x, 91.9% of SO_x, 91.5% of CO and 91.9% of CO₂ emissions. The main engine was the major emission source, for container and ro/ro. 90.0% of the total emissions were from the main engine, while over 40.0% of the emissions of general cargo and cruise was from the auxiliary engine.