Bureau Veritas Verifies Methane Emissions for Brittany Ferries’ LNG Vessels

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has successfully completed an independent verification of methane emissions from four liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled vessels operated by Brittany Ferries. This verification, conducted in collaboration with French authorities, establishes a documented methane emissions profile for the vessels. It allows them to report actual measured methane slip values, aligning with the European Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and FuelEU Maritime requirements, rather than relying on default emission factors outlined in current regulations.
The verification process involved the vessels SALAMANCA, SANTONA, SAINT-MALO, and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. Specifically, the SALAMANCA underwent a methane emissions monitoring campaign over a twelve-month period, focusing on the Rosslare–Bilbao and Rosslare–Cherbourg routes. The findings from this atmospheric emissions study were published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, revealing a significant reduction in the vessel’s average annual methane slip rate compared to the default values of up to 3.1% referenced in European regulatory frameworks and guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Importance of Measured Data in Regulatory Reporting

The results underscore the necessity of basing regulatory reporting on actual, verifiable data that reflects real operating conditions. According to IMO Resolution MEPC.402(83) and the FuelEU Maritime Guidelines, using actual methane slip values requires the development of a comprehensive methane emissions documentation package. This package includes a methane emissions file for each relevant engine, a methane record book, and additional information related to methane slip, such as the Engine Load Monitoring (ELM) procedure utilized for the FuelEU Maritime report. The documentation must be substantiated by onboard exhaust gas measurements and robust monitoring methodologies.
BV conducted a thorough review of the documentation required under the aforementioned IMO resolution and FuelEU Maritime Guidelines. Following this review, the methane files were approved by the French Flag Administration, which issued a Form of Statement confirming the verified methane emissions values weighted by engine performance. This approval allows Brittany Ferries to report measured methane emissions within the frameworks of MRV and FuelEU Maritime, alongside the implementation of the ELM procedure.

BV SOLUTIONS M&O delivers efficiency AND EMISSIONS ‘forecast’ WEB application to BritTany Ferries 

Impact on Maritime Emissions Compliance

With maritime transport now integrated into the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the gradual enforcement of FuelEU Maritime, methane slip has emerged as a critical factor in greenhouse gas intensity calculations and compliance exposure. The ability to replace conservative default values with verified measured data offers LNG-fueled ship operators a transparent and technically sound basis for demonstrating their actual environmental performance. This development is pivotal as the maritime industry continues to adapt to stricter environmental regulations and aims to reduce its carbon footprint.