Major LNG shipping companies have initiated a joint project to test continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) emission measurement technology. This project was announced at the Gastech 2026 exhibition in Bangkok and focuses on assessing the accuracy and reliability of greenhouse gas emission monitoring technologies on LNG-dependent vessels.
Project Details and Objectives
This project examines and compares real CO2 emission data from the ship's Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) with data obtained from engine tests and default emission factors. The aim is to quantify existing discrepancies and evaluate the legal applications of direct CO2 measurement against the IMO and EU emission reporting frameworks.
In this project, the independent assessment organization Lloyd's Register (LR) will act as the certifying body and will support the evaluation of emission data measured from a newly built LNG vessel scheduled for delivery in early 2027. This assessment and data analysis will continue for one year.
Role of Technology and International Collaborations
This project collaborates with experts from the maritime value chain to provide independent evidence regarding the accuracy and reliability of greenhouse gas emission monitoring technologies. Key figures in this project include Panos Mitrou, Senior Vice President of Transportation Strategy at LR, and James Cruickshank, Director of Marine and Technical Services at Seapeak.
Panos Mitrou stated, "The industry currently relies on default emission factors and laboratory data to estimate environmental performance. This initiative allows industrial stakeholders to compare estimated emission performance with direct measurements from a vessel operating under real conditions."
James Cruickshank also emphasized Seapeak's commitment to supporting practical, data-driven solutions that enhance environmental performance and operational efficiency. He added, "By collaborating with various partners, we aim to assess how continuous emission monitoring can provide better insights and support informed decision-making."
This project presents an opportunity to evaluate the performance of Kongsberg Maritime's CEMS systems under real operational conditions. Eirik Agren, Sales Director at Kongsberg Maritime, said, "Most marine CO2 reporting today is based on fuel consumption and standard emission factors, not direct and continuous measurement. This project allows us to compare existing calculations with real data from CEMS and strengthen confidence in reported results."
This international collaboration and joint efforts in emission monitoring technologies can help improve reporting accuracy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime transportation industry.
Read more: Kalmar continues its collaboration with ICTSI by ordering 12 hybrid straddle carriers · Natural gas futures reach $3/MMBtu on the New York Stock Exchange
