CO₂ Compliance in Maritime: A Step-by-Step Guide for EU MRV & IMO DCS Compliance

CO₂ compliance is essential for maritime companies navigating EU MRV and IMO DCS regulations. This guide provides a structured approach to monitoring, reporting, and verifying emissions data, ensuring compliance while optimizing efficiency and sustainability.

Introduction Maritime companies must comply with evolving CO₂ regulations, including the EU MRV Regulation and IMO DCS Compliance, which require accurate tracking, verification, and reporting of emissions.

• EU MRV Regulation: Applies to ships over 5,000 GT calling at European Economic Area (EEA) ports, regardless of flag. From January 1, 2025, it will also cover general cargo vessels between 400 and 5,000 GT and offshore vessels of 400 GT and above.
• IMO DCS Compliance: Applies to all ships over 5,000 GT engaged in international voyages.

Key compliance steps include:

• Submission of a Monitoring Plan (MP)
• Collection and verification of emissions data
• Annual Emission Report submission
• Issuance of a Document of Compliance (DoC)

This guide breaks down the process to help companies efficiently meet these requirements.

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Step 1: Monitoring Plan Submission

Before starting the compliance process, maritime companies must prepare and submit a Monitoring Plan (MP) to an Accredited Verifier for approval. The MP outlines how a ship will measure its CO₂ emissions and must include:

• Fuel consumption monitoring methods (e.g., bunker delivery notes, flow meters, direct CO₂ measurement)
• Voyage parameters (distance traveled, time at sea, cargo data)
• Data collection procedures

Submission Deadline: The MP must be verified by an independent and accredited verifier and kept onboard before the start of the reporting period.

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Step 2: Data Collection

Throughout the year, ship operators must collect and record emissions data according to the approved MP. The data includes:

• Fuel consumption per voyage
• CO₂ emissions factors
• Operational parameters (speed, distance, cargo load)

How Didi Helps: Didi automates emissions data collection, minimizing errors and ensuring accurate, real-time tracking.

Best Practice: Use automated data collection tools to reduce manual errors and improve accuracy.

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Step 3: Emission Report (ER) Submission

At the end of the reporting period, shipowners must compile the collected emissions data into an Emission Report (ER) and submit it to an Accredited Verifier for review. The submission must be made before April 30 of the following year.

How Didi Helps: Didi generates automated emissions reports, streamlining the submission process and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

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Step 4: Verification of Emission Report

An accredited third-party verifier will:

1. Check for completeness & accuracy
2. Identify inconsistencies in fuel data and voyage records
3. Approve or request corrections before submission

How Didi Helps: Didi provides real-time data validation and error detection, reducing verification delays and improving compliance readiness.

Common Pitfalls:

• Inconsistent fuel consumption records
• Missing voyage details
• Late submission of data

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Step 5: Submission to Thetis-MRV

Once verified, the Annual Emission Report must be uploaded to Thetis-MRV (the EU’s emissions reporting platform) by June 30 each year. This submission is crucial for ensuring compliance with EU MRV regulations. The verifier will also confirm the accuracy of the submission.

For IMO DCS Reports, submissions must be made through the ship’s flag state to the IMO GISIS system.

Once submitted, ships receive a Document of Compliance (DoC), which must be downloaded from Thetis-MRV and kept onboard as proof of compliance.

How Didi Helps: Didi automates submission to Thetis-MRV, ensuring timely reporting and compliance.

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Step 6: Publication of Emissions Data

By June 30 each year, verified emissions data for all reported ships must be published. This transparency allows regulatory bodies to track compliance and enforce standards across the industry.

How Didi Helps: Didi ensures accurate data publication by consolidating verified emissions data and facilitating compliance checks.

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Step 7: Compliance & Certification

Upon successful verification and submission, the shipowner and ship crew ensure compliance with CO₂ regulations. Certified ships must maintain their Document of Compliance (DoC) onboard and be prepared for regulatory inspections.

How Didi Helps: Didi simplifies certification tracking and document management, ensuring ships remain compliant.

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Optimizing for Future Compliance

Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, companies should use emissions data to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce costs. Strategies include:

• Route optimization to reduce fuel consumption
• Speed adjustments to improve efficiency
• Transitioning to lower-emission fuels
• Investing in energy-efficient technologies

How Didi Helps: Didi provides advanced analytics to identify efficiency improvements and cost-saving opportunities.

Pro Tip: Regularly review emissions reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.

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Conclusion

hieving CO₂ compliance is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s also an opportunity to reduce CO₂ emissions costs, improve sustainability, and enhance competitiveness. By following this step-by-step process, maritime companies can ensure seamless compliance while positioning themselves for a greener future.

Need help with CO₂ compliance? Contact our team at Decorum Maritime for expert guidance on emissions reporting and verification!