Urgent need for universal maritime methane standards, MAMII warns

MAMII has issued a report warning that without a unified system for measuring methane emissions from vessels, progress on cutting emissions will be slowed.

The maritime methane group calls for the creation of globally standardised measurement and monitoring frameworks, and the creation of technology-centric regulatory frameworks incentivising the development and adoption of methane abatement technologies.

Led by SafetyTech Accelerator since 2022, MAMII was established to address methane emissions from ships using LNG as fuel. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of LNG by reducing methane slip to near zero.

From better engine combustion, to the abatement or catalysis of harmful gases and the blending of hydrogen with traditional fuels, the range and potential of these technologies have exceeded our expectations. It’s clear that with informed and early decision-making, we have the tools to abate methane.

..Panos Mitrou, Chairman of MAMII, stated.

Yet, without a universally accepted certification method or regulatory framework providing business-critical incentives, the progress and adoption of these technologies will face significant delays.

..Panos added.

The report, the first from MAMII, details the first two years of the group’s activities, including successful trials of various technologies to reduce methane slip. MAMII is developing measurement guidance, organising trials, and adapting the most promising solutions for detecting and abating methane emissions.

Shipping generates an estimated 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Merchant ships burn 300 million metric tonnes of fossil fuels annually, emitting around a billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) – the equivalent of Japan’s yearly carbon emissions.

As explained, up to 40% of new vessels could run on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which will see widespread use as a low-carbon fuel as the shipping industry looks to meet carbon reduction targets.

To deliver the full GHG benefit of LNG, the escape of methane into the atmosphere must be minimised. Methane, as a greenhouse gas (GHG), is the second largest contributor to climate warming after CO2.

Following The Paris Agreement in 2015, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) pledged to halve carbon emissions from shipping by 2030 and
achieve carbon-neutral shipping by 2050. The IMO repeated this pledge at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and updated its targets: a 20% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 (compared with 2008 levels), and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Conclusions

1. Regulation is a necessity to address methane emissions in the maritime industry. A robust and clear framework centred around technology will
   facilitate faster uptake of solutions. Ambition must be high and well-defined, with a target to minimise emissions, regardless of origin, throughout all
   maritime operations.
2. The industry should demystify the ‘black box’ of well-to-tank emissions – upstream emissions released by producing and delivering fuel – as it is
   possible to define and mitigate methane emissions at this stage. A key objective should be to validate and certify the performance of LNG producers and
   bunkering suppliers and to work with those who demonstrate excellence.
3. Methane slip is the critical component of methane emissions onboard ships. Methane-proof engine technology is available today, but further innovation is imperative. Beyond combustion slip abatement, the industry should consider other solutions, such as shaft generators, to avert emissions and expedite the uptake of solutions tackling fugitive emissions.
4. There are a wide variety of solutions to detect and quantify methane emissions. A key objective now should be to validate the credibility and accuracy
   of these solutions in real conditions. MAMII is taking action on these fronts, developing measurement guidance and moving several highpotential solutions to trial and marine industry adoption.
5. There are more potential solutions to the abatement problem than previously expected, ranging from combustion improvement and postcombustion treatment to hydrogen blending. Despite substantial projected progress in methane performance, the cost and complexity of abatement are key risks. As solutions progress towards maritime adoption, it is important to prioritise adoption incentives and regulations that encourage technology use.
6. Integrating methane into regulatory schemes will support the viability of methane abatement technology development and uptake. It will also make methane performance a key design parameter for future ships, trigger the uptake of solutions for and conversion of existing engines, and substantially improve the methane footprint of the global maritime fleet.

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