Schulte Group digital systems firm MariApps Marine Solutions is partnering Berlin emissions software start-up zero44 to create a one-stop system for dealing with the European Union emissions trading system (EU ETS).
MariApps will provide its vessel performance optimisation and data collection and reporting system with compliance processes, stakeholder alignment, registry management, and trading access provided by zero44.
The system will be available from the fourth quarter of 2023, but the companies will start to enrol customers now.
To comply with the ETS, shipping companies will have to surrender carbon allowances (EUAs) for every ton of CO2 emitted on voyages from and to EU ports: starting at a level of 40% of emissions in2024, and rising to 70% in 2025, and 100% from 2026 onwards.
Depending on the share of EU emissions, an average-sized vessel will face additional operating costs of up to €1m, the companies said.
MariApps chief executive Sankar Ragavan said compliance with the ETS will require ship owners and managers, charterers, operators and cargo owners to agree on each party’s role and responsibility to buy and bear the cost of EUAs plus carry the compliance risk — adapting contracts accordingly and exchanging data on a regular basis.
“Zero44, as a European partner with deep expertise in the specifics of the EU ETS, is a powerful extension to smartOps– our vessel performance solution suite,” Ragavan said.
Mariapps has 900 staff across the world and lists more than 70 clients on its website. Zeo44 was set up last year by German digital shipping venture capital firm Flagship Founders, which has backing from Auerbach Schiffahrt.
