Poseidon principles: steering climate alignment
The Poseidon Principles are an international framework that enables banks and financial institutions to use their influence as capital providers in the shipping industry to support the CO₂ reduction targets of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping by at least 50% by 2050.
Normec Verifavia supports financial institutions and shipping organisations with data collection, climate alignment calculations, and independent verification. This allows you to report with confidence according to the Poseidon Principles and contribute to a more sustainable maritime sector.
Our approach
The Poseidon Principles were developed to be practical, verifiable, and data-driven. Organisations that sign the principles integrate them into their internal policies, procedures, and reporting.
Our approach helps you with:
- Collecting validated operational vessel data
- Calculating climate alignment according to the Poseidon Principles methodology
- Analysing performance at vessel and portfolio level
- Supporting transparent reporting and publication of results
This provides a clear understanding of how your financing portfolio aligns with global decarbonisation pathways.
Independent analysis of vessel data
The Poseidon Principles apply to various financial parties, including:
- Banks and lenders
- Leasing companies
- Financial guarantees, such as export credit agencies
The principles apply to financing products linked to vessels, including:
- Bilateral loans
- Syndicated loans
- Club deals
- Guarantees
- Finance leases with ship mortgage or title ownership
In addition, the vessels involved must fall under the IMO Data Collection System (DCS). This includes vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage or more that perform international voyages, including offshore vessels that meet these criteria.
Expertise in maritime emissions data and verification
Normec Verifavia is a globally leading independent verifier of maritime emissions under the EU MRV system and the IMO Data Collection System (DCS).
We are accredited by, among others:
- UKAS
- COFRAC
- Panama Maritime Authority
- Liberia Maritime Authority
- Various other flag states
Each year, we verify the CO₂ emissions of more than 2,000 vessels worldwide. With our extensive experience in collecting, analysing, and verifying vessel data such as fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, cargo, and transport work, we can deliver reliable and accurate analyses for Poseidon Principles reporting.
We can:
- Collect verified data from shipowners or Recognized Organizations (ROs)
- Perform independent climate alignment calculations on behalf of signatories
- Process large datasets using advanced analytical methods
What does this mean in practice for your organisation?
- You measure how your shipping portfolio aligns with IMO decarbonisation targets for 2050
- You analyse vessel performance using the Average Efficiency Ratio (AER) based on IMO data
- You gain insight into the climate alignment of your entire portfolio
- You increase transparency and accountability towards stakeholders
- You actively contribute to the energy transition in the maritime sector
The future of sustainable ship finance
The Poseidon Principles are an important instrument for actively involving the financial sector in the decarbonisation of shipping.
By applying these principles, financial institutions can:
- Better align their investments with climate targets
- Report transparently on their impact
- Contribute to a sustainable and future-proof maritime sector
With support from Normec Verifavia, you have the expertise and data infrastructure to successfully support this transition.
Would you like to learn more about Poseidon principles verification?
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Poseidon Principles are a global framework for financial institutions that invest in shipping. The goal is to align ship financing with the climate targets of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
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The principles are intended for:
• Banks and lenders
• Leasing companies
• Financial guarantors
• Export credit agencies
Any party providing financing for vessels can participate in the initiative. -
The principles apply to vessels of 5,000 gross tonnage or more that fall under the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and perform international voyages.
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Climate alignment is calculated using operational vessel data from the IMO Data Collection System (DCS). An important indicator is the Average Efficiency Ratio (AER), which measures a vessel’s CO₂ intensity. This value is then compared with the Poseidon Principles decarbonisation trajectory.
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The shipowner must give permission to the financial institution to use verified IMO DCS data and the Statement of Compliance (SoC) to calculate the climate alignment of the vessel and the portfolio.
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Financial institutions calculate the climate alignment of their shipping portfolio annually and report it to the Poseidon Principles Secretariat, usually before 30 November. The results are often published in the organisation’s annual report.
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Yes. Normec Verifavia can support with:
• Collecting verified IMO DCS data
• Performing independent climate alignment calculations
• Analysing vessel and portfolio data
• Preparing reports according to the Poseidon Principles methodology