The Case for Universal Methane Measurement Standards in Maritime Industry
Urgent Need for Universal Methane Emission Standards in Maritime Industry
The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has issued a pressing call for global methane measurement standards and regulatory frameworks to reduce emissions from ships. MAMII’s latest report warns that without a unified system, efforts to cut methane emissions will be hindered.
MAMII emphasizes the necessity of globally standardized measurement and monitoring frameworks, alongside regulatory frameworks that promote the development and adoption of methane abatement technologies.
Panos Mitrou, Chairman of MAMII, highlighted the significant progress made with technologies aimed at reducing methane emissions, such as improved engine combustion and blending hydrogen with traditional fuels. However, he noted that without universally accepted certification methods and regulatory frameworks offering business-critical incentives, the adoption of these technologies could be delayed.
The report outlines MAMII’s first two years of activities, including successful trials of various methane reduction technologies. MAMII is developing measurement guidance, organizing trials, and adapting promising solutions for detecting and reducing methane emissions.
The group stresses the importance of industry collaboration on standardized measuring and monitoring to ensure transparency and accurate reporting of engine methane slip. A regulatory regime is needed to eliminate uncertainty and incentivize industry-wide development and adoption of methane abatement technologies.
Established in 2022 and led by SafetyTech Accelerator, MAMII aims to address methane emissions from ships using Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel. As up to 40% of new vessels could run on LNG, minimizing methane slip is crucial to achieve the full greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits of this low-carbon fuel. Methane is the second largest contributor to climate warming after CO2.
