Carbon Footprint
& GHG Accounting
Comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions accounting is the foundation of maritime decarbonization. From direct vessel emissions (Scope 1) through purchased energy (Scope 2) to full value chain emissions (Scope 3), accurate carbon footprint measurement enables science-based target setting, regulatory compliance, and credible stakeholder communication. We help maritime companies quantify, report, and reduce their carbon footprint using GHG Protocol methodology, aligned with IMO targets, CSRD requirements, and investor expectations.
Understanding Maritime Carbon Footprint
International shipping accounts for approximately 2.8% of global GHG emissions (~1 billion tonnes CO2e annually). The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard provides the globally accepted framework for measuring and reporting emissions across three scopes.
Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned/controlled vessels (fuel combustion — HFO, VLSFO, MGO, LNG), company vehicles, and office heating. Scope 2 captures indirect emissions from purchased electricity for shore offices, port facilities, and cold ironing/shore power. Scope 3 encompasses value chain emissions including shipbuilding, drydocking, bunker fuel production (well-to-tank), port operations, crew travel, and purchased goods & services.
For shipping companies, Scope 1 typically represents 90–95% of total emissions, dominated by vessel fuel consumption. The IMO 2023 GHG Strategy targets net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050, with indicative checkpoints of 20% reduction by 2030 and 70% by 2040 (vs 2008).
Emissions Breakdown
Typical maritime company GHG emissions profile
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has developed maritime sector guidance requiring companies to set near-term (5–10 year) and long-term (by 2050) emission reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C pathways.
GHG Reporting Requirements
Maritime companies face an expanding landscape of carbon footprint reporting obligations from regulators, investors, and industry frameworks.
GHG Protocol Compliance
Corporate-level Scope 1-3 inventory following GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and Scope 3 Standard. Organizational and operational boundary setting, base year selection, and emission factor management.
IMO & EU Regulatory Alignment
Carbon footprint data directly supports EU ETS compliance (CO2, CH4, N2O), CII rating calculations, IMO DCS reporting, and FuelEU Maritime GHG intensity tracking.
CSRD & ESRS E1 Climate
ESRS E1 (Climate Change) requires detailed GHG emissions disclosure, transition plans, carbon pricing exposure, and Scope 3 value chain reporting with limited assurance.
Investor & Lender Requirements
TCFD/ISSB disclosures, CDP questionnaires, and ESG rating agencies all require robust, verified carbon footprint data from maritime companies.
Our Carbon Footprint Solutions
We provide end-to-end carbon footprint services, from initial emissions inventory through science-based target setting, reduction strategy, and third-party verification support.
Scope 1-3 Emissions Inventory
Complete GHG inventory covering vessel operations, shore facilities, and value chain emissions using GHG Protocol methodology.
- Fleet fuel consumption analysis
- Shore-side energy accounting
- Scope 3 category screening
- Emission factor selection & management
Carbon Footprint Baseline & Tracking
Establishment of a verified base year and ongoing annual carbon footprint tracking with trend analysis and performance benchmarking.
- Base year establishment & recalculation policy
- Annual inventory updates
- Year-on-year trend analysis
- Peer & sector benchmarking
Science-Based Target Setting
Support for setting SBTi-validated emission reduction targets aligned with 1.5°C pathways, including near-term and long-term maritime targets.
- Target boundary & scope definition
- Reduction pathway modeling
- SBTi submission support
- Progress tracking & reporting
Reduction Strategy & Roadmap
Development of actionable decarbonization roadmaps covering operational efficiency, alternative fuels, and fleet renewal strategies.
- Marginal abatement cost curves
- Operational efficiency measures
- Alternative fuel transition planning
- Fleet renewal & retrofit assessment
Carbon Reporting & Disclosure
Preparation of carbon footprint reports for regulatory submissions (CSRD, CDP), investor communications, and voluntary sustainability reports.
- CSRD/ESRS E1 climate disclosure
- CDP questionnaire completion
- Annual carbon footprint report
- Stakeholder communication materials
Verification & Assurance Support
Preparation for third-party verification of GHG data, including data quality management, evidence documentation, and verifier liaison.
- Data quality management system
- Verification-ready documentation
- Third-party verifier coordination
- Continuous improvement recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our Carbon Footprint services and compliance requirements.
International shipping accounts for approximately 2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or roughly 1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Scope 1 emissions (vessel operations) represent about 92% of total shipping emissions, with Scope 3 (well-to-tank, shipbuilding, crew travel) at approximately 6%.
Related Solutions
Services that complement Carbon Footprint for comprehensive maritime compliance.
CSRD Reporting
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive compliance including double materiality assessment, ESRS data collection, and assurance readiness.
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EU Taxonomy eligibility screening, technical criteria assessment, taxonomy KPI calculation, and green finance advisory for shipping.
Learn moreEU ETS Maritime
End-to-end EU Emissions Trading System compliance for shipping companies including EUA procurement, MRV reporting, monitoring plans, and multi-gas preparation.
Learn moreStart Your Carbon Footprint Journey
Accurate carbon footprint measurement is the first step toward meaningful decarbonization. Get expert support for Scope 1–3 emissions accounting, science-based target setting, and reduction strategy development.