Direct emissions monitoring systems must be integrated with existing systems. Engine load changes cause fluctuations in CO2 emissions, meaning sensors must be placed in zones where they can capture these variations. It is also essential to synchronise sensor readings with engine power and fuel consumption data to improve accuracy. Additionally, meteorological data is often absent from sensor readings, yet sailing speed—one of the most significant factors affecting fuel consumption and emissions—is heavily influenced by weather and ocean currents. To maximise the accuracy of emissions and fuel consumption data, these external factors should be integrated with onboard sensor data whenever possible.
How To Process Large Volumes Of Data
The lack of standardised reporting formats in maritime operations creates inefficiencies in processing and exchanging emissions data. A study by Forrester Consulting found that employees in large organisations lose up to 12 hours per week chasing data. Without universal protocols, voyage management becomes fragmented, as decisions made at one stage may become obsolete as new insights emerge. This can result in one aspect of a voyage being optimised while shifting inefficiencies elsewhere in the supply chain. This generates financial losses rather than solving the core issue.
To prevent this, a cloud-based, efficient data management system is essential to process and interpret vast quantities of non-standardised data in real time.
The Challenge Of Securing Buy-In
Despite its financial and environmental benefits, direct emissions monitoring faces some industry reluctance. One stakeholder mentioned that before carbon pricing was introduced, companies had little financial incentive to improve emissions tracking. Many executives didn’t care if reported emissions were 10% higher or lower, as long as they met regulatory requirements. With the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and potential carbon taxes on the horizon, companies are starting to pay more attention, but change remains slow.
This reluctance to invest may stem from the introduction of fuel meters a few years ago. Early adopters benefited, but some questioned the need to spend more money for better measurement accuracy. However, it is important to remember that measurement acts as a flywheel for innovation, driving continuous improvement in operational efficiency. Tracking fuel use, oil discharges, and SOx emissions helps organisations make informed decisions.
Once companies start measuring, they find it easier to experiment with fuel efficiency and decarbonisation technologies, rather than relying solely on manufacturer claims. This ultimately means that organisations that measure and analyse their data gain a competitive edge. Without measurement, investing in upgrades like hull bubblers or sails becomes risky because there’s no independent way to assess ROI. Having an independent baseline for comparison is crucial for assessing the impact of operational changes.
The first step to successful integration is getting people on board. This requires openness and transparency about experiences, providing real-world examples of how direct emissions monitoring has benefitted others. This will ultimately help convince industry leaders and regulators to invest. The second step is maintaining engagement with the technology to ensure it operates effectively.
According to Pat Gerrity, Principal at Pat Gerrity Maritime Advisors, LLC, many companies have already implemented the technology, while others are actively piloting it. Awareness of the value of real-time emissions monitoring is growing, and exploration and interest in direct emissions monitoring technology is increasing.
The Importance Of Maintenance
Maintenance of components in the direct emissions monitoring system is critical to ensure they are fully functioning and accurate. Sensors used to monitor emissions directly may degrade over time, leading to inaccurate readings. Implementing regular sensor calibration and validation procedures to maintain data integrity is necessary.Â
44 Yuquan D et al., (Dec, 2022) Data fusion and machine learning for ship fuel efficiency modeling: Part III – Sensor data and meteorological data
45 Forrester Consulting (2022) Software is fracturing your organisation
For a more detailed understanding and exploration of the topics covered in this article, refer to our report, Transforming Maritime Operations: Unlocking Accurate Data for Sustainability and Compliance, commissioned by SailPlan.
