PIL and ABS sign MoU to support emissions verification
Pacific International Lines (PIL) and classification society ABS have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to propel maritime decarbonisation efforts through the independent verification of emissions associated with alternative marine fuels.
This strategic collaboration will empower PIL to actively participate in Book and Claim registries, facilitating the generation of independently verified emissions reduction claims stemming from the utilization of low- and zero-emission fuels. The partnership synergizes PIL’s extensive operational experience, fleet data, and customer insights with ABS’s robust capabilities in classification, certification, and assurance.
Under the terms of the MoU, ABS will serve as an independent third-party verifier, meticulously overseeing PIL’s fuel consumption, transportation activities, and emissions data. This process is crucial for ensuring the transparency, consistency, and credibility of emissions reporting, which are foundational to the effective functioning of Book and Claim mechanisms.
Abhishek Chawla, Chief Marine Officer at PIL, stated, “PIL is dedicated to advancing practical decarbonisation solutions for our customers and the broader industry. Our MoU with ABS significantly enhances oversight and independent assurance for the Book and Claim system, guaranteeing a consistent and reliable assessment of emissions and fuel data. This initiative supports the wider adoption of low- and zero-emission fuels as their availability increases, while upholding the accuracy of emissions claims.”
Rostom Merzouki, Vice President of Global Sustainability at ABS, commented, “ABS is committed to guiding clients through the accelerating pace of maritime digitalisation with clarity and confidence. As digitalisation progresses, independent data verification becomes paramount for fostering the trust required to achieve substantial progress. ABS brings deep technical expertise to this endeavor, and we are proud to support PIL’s commitment to reducing emissions across its fleet.”
This enduring partnership will concentrate on refining emissions monitoring and reporting practices, thereby supporting PIL’s overarching decarbonisation strategy in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s ambitious targets.
The Book and Claim model offers a structured approach to tracking and transferring the environmental attributes of cleaner fuels, independent of their physical use on specific vessels or voyages. Through a well-defined registry and clear governance, this mechanism empowers customers to leverage low-emission fuel solutions and report corresponding reductions, even when direct access to these fuels is limited on particular routes.