As of 1st January 2018, according to EU Regulation on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (Regulation No. 757/2015 as amended) ships over 5000 gross tonnage (“relevant ships”), regardless of their flag and subject to a few exclusions (warships, naval auxiliaries, fish catching etc.), will become subject to monitoring and reporting requirements on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), fuel consumption and cargo carried within all ports and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State. It is estimated that Relevant Ships account for 55% of all ships calling into EU ports and 90% of related emissions.
CO2 Emissions of all Large Ships to be Reported
The requirements are part of a staged process to understand GHG reduction potential prior to possible pricing of those emissions and as such this EU Regulation is considered as a key measure designed to understand how to make shipping ‘greener’.
More specifically by 1st January 2018 companies will be required to monitor emissions for each Relevant Ship on a per-voyage and aggregate on an annual basis by applying the appropriate method chosen in their monitoring plan that should have been submitted to independent verifiers by 31st August 2017.
Subsequently from 2019 and by 30th April of each year, companies will be required to submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag states concerned, an independently verified emissions report, during the annual reporting period for each relevant ship under their responsibility.
Finally from 30th June 2019 all relevant ships having performed activities in the previous reporting period and visiting EU ports, must carry on board a valid Document of Compliance (“DoC”), issued by an accredited EU Regulation shipping verifier, that might be subject to inspections by Member States’ authorities.
