Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced on 19 December 2024 that it had obtained third-party certification from the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for its “Book & Claim” service on car carriers. This marks the first instance of such certification for the Book & Claim methodology in Japan’s shipping industry. The certification enables MOL to allocate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction credits, derived from the use of low-carbon fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels in its car carrier fleet, to customers utilizing the service.
Photo courtesy= MOL
MOL plans to begin pilot operations of the service in January 2025.
The Book & Claim approach registers (books) the GHG reduction values achieved through the use of low-carbon fuel-powered shipping services. Customers allocated these credits can then claim the associated reduction values. This methodology has been gaining traction, particularly in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector.
For instance, even if low-carbon fuels are unavailable for a specific voyage, customers can purchase certificates under the Book & Claim system, allowing them to claim GHG reduction values equivalent to those achieved by other shippers using low-carbon fuels.
MOL’s initial application of the system involves recording the GHG reductions achieved by LNG-fuelled car carriers compared to conventional heavy fuel oil vessels. Customers utilising the new service can then count these reductions towards their own GHG emissions targets.
To date, MOL has committed to deploying 14 newly built LNG-fuelled car carriers. The company is actively working to reduce GHG emissions from its operations through the introduction of environmentally friendly fuels while also contributing to broader societal efforts to cut emissions. MOL aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
MOL’s engagement with the Book & Claim methodology includes participating as a board member in the “Book and Claim Community,” an international environmental initiative focused on decarbonising global logistics. This underscores MOL’s company-wide commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in the maritime sector.
商船三井、自動車船でブック＆クレーム開始へ。日本海事協会（NK）から認証を日本船社として初めて取得した
商船三井は２０２４年12月19日、自動車船の「ブック＆クレーム」サービスについて、日本海事協会（ＮＫ）から第三者認証を取得したと発表した。ＮＫが日本の海運業界でブック＆クレーム方法論の第三者認証を行ったのは初めて。同社の自動車船船隊でＬＮＧ（液化天然ガス）やバイオ燃料を含む低炭素燃料を使用したことによって生じるＧＨＧ（温室効果ガス）削減価値を、同サービスを利用する顧客に証書として割り当てることができるようになる。
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