Direct CO2 Monitoring Tech Tested for Shipping Fleets
Shipowners are piloting continuous monitoring systems to potentially replace default estimation factors in regulatory reporting.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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Lloyd's Register, Seapeak, Kongsberg Maritime, and Tunable have launched a joint development project to validate continuous emissions monitoring technology for LNG shipping. The effort aims to provide verified data for shipowners and regulators by comparing direct CO2 measurements against current engine test bed standards.
Why it matters
The industry is testing direct measurement to improve the reliability of emissions data used by shipowners, charterers, and regulators. By validating these systems against existing reporting frameworks, operators can better align their environmental reporting with actual vessel performance.
This project utilizes direct measurement technology to compare CO2 emissions data against existing engine test bed benchmarks. The results of the data analysis will be evaluated throughout 2027 to establish the regulatory validity of direct CO2 measurement in shipping.
The players
Lloyd's Register
A maritime classification society that sets safety and environmental standards for the global shipping industry.
Seapeak
A major owner and operator of liquefied natural gas carriers, managing a global fleet for energy transport.
Kongsberg Maritime
A global technology company specializing in advanced control systems and monitoring equipment for maritime operations.
Tunable
A provider of gas analysis technology focused on industrial emissions monitoring and precision sensing.
The details
The project integrates Tunable gas analysis hardware into the Kongsberg Maritime Continuous Emissions Monitoring System. This combined unit will be installed on a new LNG carrier to perform real-time tracking of exhaust gases. Lloyd's Register acts as the independent verifier, comparing these readings against industry-standard default emissions factors and internal engine data to assess measurement accuracy.
Timeline
September 2026: Project formally announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.
Early 2027: Expected delivery of the new LNG carrier equipped with the monitoring system.
2027: Full-year period scheduled for data monitoring and comparative analysis.
Market Landscape
The shipping industry currently relies on standardized estimation factors to comply with the International Maritime Organization emissions reporting frameworks. This project marks a shift toward validating direct sensor-based measurement as a more accurate alternative for operational compliance.
Shipowners and operators should track this project to see if direct measurement eventually becomes the standard for regulatory compliance, replacing broader estimation models. Monitoring these results may help businesses anticipate future requirements for carbon intensity reporting and fleet environmental performance.
The takeaway
This project signals a move toward high-fidelity emissions reporting that could eventually replace default estimation factors in regulatory audits. Operators should track the 2027 performance data to determine if this monitoring technology warrants adoption in their own fleet renewal strategies.
What happens next
The monitoring and data analysis period is scheduled to occur throughout 2027 following the delivery of the LNG carrier in early 2027.
Further reading
For broader trends in decarbonization, see our Oil and Gas section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lr.
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