ABS partners with Greek shipowners on EU MRV regulation
The result of this initiative 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, according to ABS.
“The EU MRV regulation establishes a regional regime that requires owners to put in place systems and practices that provide clear and precise evidence of compliance,” said Dr Kirsi Tikka, executive vice president of ABS's Global Marine division. “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.”
The European Union’s Regulation 2015/757, which applies to ships above 5,000gt 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.
ABS joined tanker owners Maran, Thenamaris, Minerva, Euronav and Tsakos in 2014 to begin preparing an MRV plan, the results of which were shared with the tanker operators association INTERTANKO. As the project developed, the group was joined by Consolidated Marine Management Inc (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 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.
Although ship emissions monitoring does not begin until January 1st 2018, monitoring plans must be submitted to the accredited verifiers no later than the end of August 2017. Owners need to have the appropriate IT infrastructure and support in place to meet the requirements and make sure ship and shoreside staff are properly trained. Planning and executing solutions in the near term will reduce the work required to demonstrate MRV compliance, and give shipowners confidence to prepare and submit accurate annual MRV reports, ABS said.