Seasons shipping emissions: Reporting and performance
Shipping emissions seasons are defined reporting periods during which shipping companies submit emissions data via the THETIS platform to regulatory bodies such as the European Commission. These structured reporting cycles improve accountability, emissions tracking and carbon reduction efforts.
The maritime industry continues to advance sustainability, achieving a significant % emission reduction from biofuels. Normec Verifavia successfully completed the EU MRV/ETS 2024 verification season and obtained FuelEU accreditation, reaffirming its commitment to precision, regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility. Effective Feb. 26, 2025, Normec Verifavia SAS is accredited by COFRAC (accreditation no. 3-2127) under ISO 17029 to verify environmental claims for maritime activities under FuelEU Maritime. This accreditation followed a successful audit with no major deficiencies. Following accreditation, more than 600 FuelEU Monitoring Plan assessments were conducted through THETIS, reinforcing compliance and continuous improvement through training programs and policy seminars.
For verifiers, the impact goes beyond numbers; it is about the diversity of service, complexity of flags and accuracy of reporting. This season reflects not just doing more, but doing it better, ensuring compliance across all platforms and stakeholders.
Key results
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1.
EU MRV + ETS verifications.
- 1000+ ships verified for EU MRV/ETS compliance
- Emissions verified for 100+ shipping companies in multiple EU registries
- More than 200 company emission reports reviewed and approved on THETIS MRV -
2.
Assessment of monitoring plans
- 1300 EU ETS monitoring plans reviewed
- Reviewed 300 EU MRV monitoring plans for general cargo and offshore vessels (400GRT - 5000 GRT)
- Approval of 600+ EU ETS monitoring plans to date on Thetis Platform By AA. -
3.
Verified Voyage Statements (VVS).
- 2,400 travel statements issued via our dashboard
- 300 travel statements manually certified for external clients -
4.
UK MRV verifications
- 400 vessels verified for UK MRV compliance
Technical challenges: Lessons from 2024
Despite progress, several challenges remained during the season:
- Inconsistent reporting of fuel data, leading to inaccurate reporting of EUAs
- Insufficient understanding of reporting periods by operators, which required us to accurately track the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
- Lack of clarity in THETIS on the separation between emissions "within port" and "within port at quayside".
- Incorrect calculations of ETS allowances affect compliance
- Inconsistencies in IT systems data that affect THETIS submissions and lead to monitoring risks.
- Undefined monitoring plan procedures resulting in data inconsistencies
- Complexity of MOHA accounts, mismanagement and rounding of emissions leading to incorrect EUAs, complicating allowance submission processes.
- Lack of awareness regarding signed mandates between ISM companies and ship owners
- Constant updates to the THETIS platform affect reporting stability, such as verification of company-level emissions reports.
At Normec Verifavia, our experienced audit team, supported by in-depth regulatory knowledge, precise tools and a solution-oriented approach, has successfully addressed many of the challenges faced by the shipping industry. This was made possible through a combination of strategic efforts:
- Persistent and coordinated efforts by our auditors, using their individual expertise to solve complex problems clearly and accurately.
- Targeted training sessions and webinars for operators, providing them with the latest insights into evolving maritime regulations and compliance strategies.
- Precise alignment with the EMSA fit for 55 guidelines, which served as a reliable reference point throughout the verification process.
This ensured that responsible entities could submit the correct EUAs to the EU registry.
Complex case: LNG cargo as fuel
Operators using LNG cargo as fuel faced additional challenges because nitrogen, which does not contribute to CO₂ emissions, can be excluded from overall LNG consumption. Despite the fact that nitrogen makes up about 0.5% of LNG composition, it has a significant impact on EUA calculations, sometimes reducing LNG consumption values and EUAs by up to 20%. These cases require technical expertise and analysis results of LNG composition to ensure accurate regulatory compliance.
Assessment of compliance IMO
IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) require ships over 5000 GRT to report fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to global regulatory benchmarks. The CII evaluates the fuel efficiency of ships and gives ships a rating from A to E, with maintaining a high rating being critical to avoid performance penalties. Normec Verifavia has successfully delivered more than 1,300 SOCs for IMO DCS verification and COCs for SEEMP II and SEEMP III in various flag administrations, including Liberian flag, Panama flag, and Vanuatu flag, Antigua and Barbuda and with RO's RINA, and under our partnership with Korean Register & RINA.
Now that the CII regulations have passed 3 control years, it is mandatory for continuous D-rated ships in these 3 years to carry out a corrective action plan for SEEMP III along with E-rated ships in 2024. With the CII directives making the rating system more stringent each year, it is essential for the operator to ensure optimal vessel operation. These corrective plans are essential in line with the audits performed on ships.
Smart Maritime Compliance: Technical Solutions
As the maritime industry moves toward net zero emissions by 2050, early adoption of clean fuels, smart data systems and industry collaboration is essential. Normec Verifavia leads the way in regulatory compliance and maritime sustainability, providing seamless adaptation for stakeholders. Our evolving tools transform data integration, automation and operational clarity, enabling more efficient compliance. Through automated onboarding, biofuel integration and optimized FuelEU compliance, we streamline processes and ensure precision. Our tools also include derogation rules for OCT, OMR & Small Island derogation exemptions, FuelEU Flex simulations for cost-effective strategies and GFI compliance tools to prepare clients for future regulations. Whether it's ETS, FuelEU, greenhouse gas pathways or travel simulations, our comprehensive solutions enable maritime operators to stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic regulatory landscape.
Capacity building: training and knowledge transfer
To address complex requirements, Normec organized Verifavia training sessions and webinars that provided regulatory guidance on EUA calculations and scope definitions. These initiatives strengthened customer capabilities and promoted well-informed compliance management among maritime stakeholders.
Conclusion: Toward a Net Zero Maritime Sector
In a dynamic regulatory landscape, maritime operators must remain agile and precise in their compliance strategies. Normec Verifavia's commitment to excellence in verification, technological innovation and industry training continues to enable sustainable decarbonization in shipping.
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