NORDEN and Microsoft Pioneer Verified Emissions Reductions via RSB Book & Claim Registry

The maritime sector's pursuit of decarbonisation faces considerable challenges, primarily stemming from the limited availability and elevated costs associated with sustainable marine fuels. While long-term strategies necessitate extensive infrastructure development and technological advancements, cargo owners are increasingly seeking immediate avenues for emissions reduction to fulfil their own sustainability objectives.

A recent pilot initiative, involving the prominent shipping company NORDEN, global technology firm Microsoft, and the sustainability certification body RSB, has showcased an effective method for tackling this issue. The project centred on the 'book and claim' methodology, a system designed to separate the physical delivery of sustainable fuels from the corresponding emissions reductions.

## Operationalising Emissions Reductions

Under this framework, a shipping company procures sustainable marine fuels for its fleet, thereby generating verified emissions reductions. These reductions are subsequently registered and can be allocated to specific cargo owners, irrespective of whether their particular consignment was transported on a vessel physically consuming the sustainable fuel. This mechanism enables cargo owners to claim environmental benefits, even if their specific voyage did not directly utilise the green fuel.

The pilot project successfully delivered the first verified maritime emissions reductions through the RSB Book & Claim registry. This achievement highlights the operational viability of such a system, providing a transparent and auditable method for tracking and transferring environmental attributes. It effectively establishes a market for sustainable fuel certificates, akin to renewable energy credits.

## Implications for Fuel Markets and Supply Chains

For the refined fuels industry, this development carries significant implications. The 'book and claim' system could stimulate demand for sustainable marine fuels by offering a financial incentive for carriers like NORDEN to invest in them, even if the immediate operational benefits are not uniformly distributed across all voyages. This increased demand, in turn, could encourage greater investment in sustainable fuel production capacity.

Furthermore, it provides cargo owners, such as Microsoft, with a tangible means to contribute to shipping's decarbonisation efforts today, rather than awaiting widespread availability of sustainable fuels at every port. This flexibility is crucial for global supply chains, enabling companies to meet their Scope 3 emissions targets more effectively and demonstrate progress to stakeholders.

While the ultimate objective remains the direct use of sustainable fuels across entire fleets, 'book and claim' offers a vital interim solution. It promotes transparency, incentivises the adoption of sustainable fuels, and provides a credible mechanism for companies to account for their environmental impact in maritime logistics. As the industry progresses, such innovative frameworks will be instrumental in bridging the gap between ambition and practical implementation.