LNG Shipping Firms Launch Trial to Validate Continuous Emissions Measurement Technology

Lloyd’s Register (LR), Seapeak, Kongsberg Maritime and Tunable have launched a joint development project (JDP) to assess the accuracy and regulatory applicability of continuous emissions monitoring technology on board an LNG carrier.

The project will focus on Kongsberg Maritime’s Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS), which incorporates gas analysis technology from Tunable. LR will act as the independent verifier for the initiative.

Announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the project is intended to generate operational data on direct CO2 measurement and compare it with existing methods used for emissions reporting.

LNG carrier to undergo real-world emissions monitoring

The trial will be conducted on a newly built LNG carrier scheduled for delivery in early 2027. Monitoring and data analysis will continue throughout the year, allowing the partners to assess CEMS performance under actual operating conditions.

The project will compare CO2 emissions measured directly by the vessel’s CEMS with engine test-bed data and emissions calculated using default emissions factors.

The comparison will quantify differences between the measurement and estimation methods and examine the potential use of direct CO2 measurement under relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union emissions reporting frameworks.

Focus on emissions data accuracy

The partners will assess whether independently verified continuous measurements can provide additional confidence in emissions data used by shipowners, charterers and regulators.

The project will also examine emissions measurements alongside fuel consumption, engine performance and operational data to establish a broader picture of the vessel’s emissions performance.

Panos Mitrou, SVP Shipping Strategy, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The industry currently relies on default emissions factors and test bed data to estimate environmental performance. This initiative enables industry stakeholders the opportunity to compare estimated emissions performance against direct measurements from a vessel operating in real world conditions.

“The results will generate valuable insights into the role continuous emissions monitoring can play in supporting more accurate reporting as well as an improved operational understanding that can support emissions minimisation.

“This is exactly the type of collaborative innovation the industry needs as it navigates an increasingly complex and data-driven regulatory landscape.”

Seapeak to provide operational data

Seapeak will contribute operational experience and vessel data to the project, with the trial intended to evaluate how continuous monitoring can support emissions reporting and operational decision-making.

James Cruickshank, Director – Marine & Technical Services, Seapeak, said: “At Seapeak, we are committed to supporting practical, data-driven solutions that enhance both environmental performance and operational efficiency. This project brings together leading expertise from across the industry to advance the understanding of emissions measurement and reporting, using real operational data.

“By collaborating with partners, we aim to evaluate how continuous emissions monitoring can improve emissions insights and support informed decision-making, while also identifying opportunities to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions across our fleet.”

CEMS data to be compared with established calculations

Kongsberg Maritime said the project will provide an opportunity to compare continuous direct measurements with emissions calculations based on fuel consumption and standard emission factors.

Eirik Agren, Sales Director, Kongsberg Maritime, said: “Most maritime CO₂ reporting today is based on fuel consumption and standard emission factors rather than continuous, direct measurement. This JDP gives us the opportunity to rigorously compare those established calculations with data from our CEMS under real operating conditions. Integrating emissions measurements with fuel, engine and operational data allows the measurements to be corroborated and placed in context, strengthening confidence in the reported emissions.

“Together with Lloyd’s Register’s independent technical and regulatory perspective, this will help establish the robust evidence needed to assess the accuracy, transparency and regulatory applicability of CEMS-based reporting.”

Roar Hernes, Business Development Manager, Tunable, said: “Invisible gases contain valuable information. By delivering continuous emissions measurements from a vessel in operation, this project will help generate evidence and insights that support more transparent and data-driven emissions reporting.”