ClassNK Introduces World’s First Ship Construction Carbon Footprint Notation

ClassNK has introduced what it describes as the world’s first classification notation for verifying the carbon footprint generated during ship construction, providing shipyards and shipowners with a standardized framework to demonstrate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with vessel building.

The new notation, “a-EA (CFP),” has been incorporated into ClassNK’s Environmental Guidelines (Edition 4.2) and confirms that a vessel’s construction carbon footprint (CFP) has been calculated and independently verified by the classification society.

New Framework Targets Ship Construction Emissions

The initiative comes as companies across global supply chains increasingly focus on measuring and disclosing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, particularly emissions associated with capital goods such as newly built vessels.

Under widely adopted carbon accounting standards, emissions generated during ship construction fall under Scope 3 Category 2, making accurate emissions reporting increasingly important for shipowners, operators and investors.

ClassNK noted that ship construction emissions are often estimated using generic emission factors or default values due to limited access to detailed production data. Such approaches may not accurately reflect the use of low-carbon materials or emissions reduction measures implemented during vessel construction.

The new notation aims to address this challenge by certifying that the ship construction carbon footprint has been calculated using project-specific data and independently verified.

Benefits for Shipyards and Shipowners

According to ClassNK, the a-EA (CFP) notation enables shipyards to demonstrate their environmental initiatives through third-party verification, including the adoption of low-carbon materials and measures to reduce emissions during construction.

For shipowners and shipping companies, the verified data can support more accurate Scope 3 emissions reporting by incorporating vessel-specific construction emissions rather than relying solely on industry averages or default emission factors.

The framework is expected to improve transparency across the maritime value chain as environmental reporting requirements continue to evolve. ClassNK said it will continue supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts through the development of environmental standards, certification services and technical guidance.