Singapore-based container carrier Pacific International Lines (PIL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with classification society ABS to support the verification of emissions reductions linked to alternative marine fuels.
The agreement is aimed at enabling PIL’s participation in Book and Claim systems, which allow emissions reductions to be credibly accounted for even when low- or zero-emission fuels are not physically used on a specific voyage.
Under the arrangement, ABS will act as an independent third-party verifier, reviewing PIL’s fuel consumption, transport activity and emissions data. The objective is to ensure emissions-related claims are consistent, transparent and backed by robust assurance processes.
The collaboration combines PIL’s operational data and customer-facing insights with ABS’s expertise in classification and certification, helping to strengthen confidence in emissions accounting tied to alternative fuels as adoption scales.
PIL Chief Marine Officer Abhishek Chawla said the partnership is intended to improve oversight and reliability in Book and Claim frameworks, supporting wider uptake of low- and zero-emission fuels while maintaining accuracy in reporting.
ABS Vice President for Global Sustainability Rostom Merzouki said independent verification is increasingly critical as maritime digitalisation accelerates, with trusted data central to decarbonisation progress.
The companies said the collaboration will focus on improving transparency in emissions monitoring and reporting, aligning with targets set by the International Maritime Organization.
In shipping, Book and Claim operates as a chain-of-custody model, where environmental attributes are separated from the physical fuel delivery. This allows stakeholders to claim emissions reductions without being constrained by fuel availability on specific routes.
