ClassNK has launched what it describes as the world’s first class notation designed to verify the carbon footprint of ship construction, enabling shipowners and shipyards to certify and document emissions generated throughout newbuilding projects.
The new notation, a-EA (CFP), has been added to the latest edition of ClassNK’s Environmental Guidelines. It confirms that the carbon footprint generated during construction has been calculated and independently verified by the classification society in accordance with ISO 14067.
The initiative addresses a practical issue for maritime decarbonisation reporting. While emissions from ship construction fall under Scope 3 Category 2 for shipowners, obtaining accurate emissions data has often proved difficult. Many calculations rely on standard emission factors rather than data from the actual construction process, making it harder to account for measures such as the use of low carbon materials or emissions reduction during shipbuilding.
Under the new framework, shipyards can demonstrate that emissions generated during construction have been independently verified, while shipowners and shipping companies can use verified carbon footprint data when reporting Scope 3 emissions. According to ClassNK, this can support more accurate disclosures than calculations based solely on general emission factors or default values.
The notation also broadens the role of classification societies in decarbonisation. Alongside technical compliance and vessel surveys, class societies are taking on a wider role in verifying environmental data that shipowners may require for sustainability reporting and supply chain emissions disclosure.
ClassNK said the notation enables shipyards to demonstrate efforts to reduce environmental impact during construction, including the use of low carbon materials and emissions reduction measures within production processes. For shipowners and shipping companies, verified construction emissions data can provide a stronger basis for reporting emissions associated with newbuilding projects and other Scope 3 obligations.
The notation is prescribed in ClassNK’s Environmental Guidelines (Edition 4.2), which are available through the organisation’s online guidance portal.
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