Reducing maritime emissions with continuous emission monitoring systems

The maritime sector relies primarily on fossil fuels and is currently responsible for almost 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To address this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions in 2023 which requires ships to improve their energy efficiency, thus reducing their emissions. One of the targets is to decrease carbon intensity from all vessels by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

Under this framework, it became mandatory from January 2023 for all ships to monitor their energy efficiency and report the results to regulatory authorities. The first annual reporting was completed in 2023 and initial carbon intensity ratings were calculated in 2024. A review of the measures is scheduled to be completed by 1 January 2026.

Simply put, carbon emission monitoring refers to the process of tracking and measuring the amount of GHGs being released into the atmosphere. Monitoring involves real-time data collection from sources such as ships, factories, power plants and vehicles. Such data enables the accurate quantification of emissions, allowing informed decisions to be made on carbon reduction strategies.

Carbon emission reporting is the process of disclosing the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere. It is a critical component in the global effort to combat climate change by promoting accountability and encouraging reduction in carbon footprint.

Companies provide information about their emissions through sustainability reports. These reports include information on how organisations are working to reduce their emissions through renewable energy, carbon offsets and other sustainability initiatives. This transparency allows stakeholders to evaluate an organisation’s environmental performance and progress towards achieving its sustainability goals.

CEMS are automated systems for measuring and tracking emissions of gases and particulate matter from a specific source. CEMS continuously transmit real-time emissions data to operators, facility managers, and the like.

The information is also sent to a data acquisition system (DAS) which is responsible for processing the raw data into standardised formats for reporting to regulatory authorities. The DAS stores data for trend analysis and compliance reporting. Alerts are generated if emissions exceed permitted limits or thresholds.

The key benefits of CEMS include real-time monitoring, which provides continuous and near-instantaneous data on emissions, allowing for prompt corrective actions. CEMS also facilitate regulatory compliance by providing accurate data for reporting. In addition, CEMS improve data acquisition and precision in emissions monitoring, enabling optimisation of operations to minimise environmental impact.

The maritime sector is on the cusp of a crucial energy transition as it finds new ways to decarbonise. Methods to reduce GHGs include adopting electric solutions and replacing fossil fuels with low-carbon alternatives, such as hydrogen. Learn how Norwegian companies have joined forces to decarbonise maritime transport.

The use of CEMS is key to ensuring that the maritime industry complies with international regulations and reduces its environmental impact. Through ongoing innovation, the industry can play a significant role in curbing global carbon emissions. Find out how the Norwegian company Tunable is simplifying continuous emission monitoring.