Classification society ABS has completed a project with a group of Greek ship owners to support preparations for implementing the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) regulation for CO2 emissions.
ABS joined tanker owners Maran, Thenamaris, Minerva, Euronav and Tsakos in 2014 to begin preparing an MRV plan. As the project developed, the group was joined by CMM and bulk carrier operator Golden Union.
Testing took place over six months on a fleet of 15 vessels, including Aframax tankers (including ice class), Suezmax tankers, MR product/chemical tankers, an LR2 Product Carrier, a dual-fuel Liquefied natural gas (LNG) Carrier, a steam-powered LNG carrier and Capesize bulk carriers.
At the end of the data-gathering phase, ABS reviewed emission reports, assessing the reliability, credibility and accuracy of the monitoring systems and the resulting reported emissions data and information. A summary of findings identified where existing fuel measurement systems, data flow and reporting needed to be aligned with MRV requirements.
The result of this project is a clear interpretation of the regulation that allows companies to understand how they will be affected and what steps have to be taken to achieve and demonstrate compliance.
The European Union’s Regulation 2015/757, which applies to ships above 5000GT calling at EU ports, requires that owners establish and maintain accurate processes for all aspects of the regulation to provide evidence of compliance. It is widely seen as the forerunner to a global system of CO2 emissions reporting that will be established under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization.
“Leveraging its knowledge and experience, ABS has worked with these proactive owners to help them understand the requirements and to find solutions that minimise interruptions to their ability to trade,” stated Dr. Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President, Global Marine.
Although ship emissions monitoring under the MRV regulation does not begin until January 1, 2018, Monitoring Plans must be submitted to the accredited Verifiers no later than the end of August of 2017.
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