SeaARCTOS, a supplier of real-time emissions monitoring solutions for the global shipping industry, has been granted Type Approval by Lloyd's Register (LR) for carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions monitoring and reporting through its ARCTOS-1™ system.

The approval arrives as shipping faces a tightening regulatory landscape. The EU Emissions Trading System was extended to cover large vessels from January 1, 2024, requiring shipowners to surrender allowances for reported CO₂ emissions. FuelEU Maritime, which limits the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used on board, takes effect January 1, 2025. At the international level, the IMO's revised GHG Strategy—adopted in July 2023—targets net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, with member states still negotiating implementing measures including the proposed Net-Zero Framework.

The ARCTOS-1™ is a MARPOL-approved, globally patented stack-mounted monitoring device that provides continuous measurement of CO₂, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and methane (CH₄) exhaust emissions. The technology has accumulated over 20,000 hours of at-sea testing. Weighing less than 3.5 kg and roughly the size of a shoebox, the unit is powered by waste heat from the exhaust. Installation requires less than an hour and involves no welding, cutting, or power tools.

The system's continuous direct-measurement approach contrasts with the calculation-based methods that predominate under existing IMO and EU monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) regulations, where emissions are typically estimated from fuel-consumption records rather than captured at the exhaust stack.

Fredrik Fuglesang, CEO of SeaARCTOS, emphasized the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms behind emerging regulatory frameworks: "FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System, and the IMO Net-Zero Framework, if it is adopted, are only as effective as their enforcement mechanisms. Efficient, consistent and tamper-proof emissions monitoring gives regulators, port authorities and flag states the vital evidence they need to penalise non-compliance or reward over-compliance."

Fuglesang added that direct emissions monitoring also benefits compliant shipowners and operators: "With greater scrutiny, non-compliant competitors will be penalised, eliminating any undeserved competitive advantage. Transparent data on actual emissions also means there is a minimal risk of paying penalties for assumed 'phantom' emissions. Finally, direct reporting means there is a lower chance of off-hire time for compliance testing in ports."

Tianxiang Li, Global Technical Support Office Director at Lloyd's Register, stated: "As regulations continue to evolve, the maritime industry needs confidence in the technologies that support emissions monitoring and regulatory reporting. This Type Approval provides independent assurance that the SeaARCTOS ARCTOS-1™ system is ready to support the industry."

The ARCTOS-1™ system is equipped with a tamper alarm capable of alerting both the relevant port authority and SeaARCTOS if interference is detected. Emissions and geolocation data are recorded at regular intervals, encrypted, and transmitted securely to a cloud platform via satellite. The user interface features a location-locked tracking system designed specifically to prevent AIS spoofing.

Port authorities and flag states require access to accurate, sufficient data supported by affordable yet robust data management systems to enforce compliance. While managing large volumes of real-time data and producing verifiable, audit-ready records can be complex, ARCTOS-1™ streamlines the process through a dashboard accessible from any internet-connected computer or device.

Financial stakeholders also stand to benefit from emissions performance data, which helps ensure that current and prospective investments align with green financing objectives. Poseidon Principles signatories, for instance, could leverage such data to assess and disclose the alignment of their ship-finance portfolios with climate targets. Shipowners and assets with stronger environmental profiles may also qualify for more favorable financing terms, as they are less exposed to escalating emissions-related costs.

Real-time emissions data additionally enables vessel and fleet operators to demonstrate environmental performance to shippers and charterers—many of whom are pursuing their own ESG targets, working to reduce Scope 3 emissions, and responding to consumer demand for more sustainable shipping practices.

Source: SeaARCTOS via Hellenic Shipping News