Car carrier operators representing around 80% of global car carrier capacity have established a new council to govern greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting rules, a move aimed at improving the accuracy, transparency and comparability of emissions data across the vehicle supply chain, according to Splash247.
New council for ro-ro emissions data
The coalition, the Global Ro-Ro Community (GRC), has created the GRC Council (GRCC), a body tasked with maintaining and improving the coalition's GHG accounting methodology and data rules, Splash247 reported. The GRC brings together ro-ro carriers, verifiers, cargo owners and other stakeholders representing around 80% of global car carrier capacity. Its aim is to improve the accuracy, transparency and comparability of GHG emissions accounting across the vehicle supply chain, using verified data aligned with ISO and the GLEC Framework.
The GRCC will oversee continuous review of the GRC methodology, manage updates to data-handling rules and ensure transparent decision-making, according to Splash247. The group said the continuous improvement of internationally aligned emissions accounting methodologies is expected to enhance the transparency of environmental information and promote decarbonisation across the industry.
ClassNK leads governance drafting
ClassNK, which has served as an independent verifier for the GRC since its 2024 launch, has been put in charge of drafting the new governance framework, Splash247 reported. Hiroshi Ochi, general manager of ClassNK's green certification department, has been elected vice-chair of the GRCC.
ClassNK will provide verification services for GHG data under the GRC methodology and support the development of emissions accounting based on primary data, according to the report. The group said this will strengthen confidence in emissions data used by carriers, vehicle manufacturers and cargo owners for Scope 3 reporting and decarbonisation strategies under regimes such as FuelEU Maritime and IMO GHG measures.
GRC brings together ro-ro carriers, verifiers, cargo owners, and other stakeholders representing around 80% of global car carrier capacity.
GRC governance at a glance
| Stakeholder | Role | Share of capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ro-Ro Community (GRC) | Coalition of ro-ro carriers, verifiers, cargo owners and other stakeholders | Around 80% of global car carrier capacity |
| GRC Council (GRCC) | Maintains and improves GHG accounting methodology and data rules; oversees continuous review and data-handling updates | — |
| ClassNK | Independent verifier since 2024; drafted governance framework; to provide GHG data verification | — |
Implications for shippers and operators
According to Splash247, the GRC's stated aim is to improve accuracy, transparency and comparability of GHG emissions accounting across the vehicle supply chain. For freight forwarders, 3PLs and vehicle manufacturers, the practical effect is that emissions data used in vehicle supply chains will sit under a continuously reviewed methodology, with ClassNK providing verification services for GHG data under the GRC methodology.
ClassNK said the move should help carriers communicate environmental performance more effectively and enable shippers and OEMs to manage Scope 3 emissions with greater precision, Splash247 reported. Cargo owners and freight forwarders that rely on carrier emissions declarations should track GRCC methodology updates and confirm whether their carriers' data is verified under the framework for reporting under FuelEU Maritime and IMO GHG measures.
Watch list
- The GRCC governance framework drafted by ClassNK and its adoption across GRC members.
- The rollout of primary-data-based emissions accounting under the GRC methodology.
- Alignment between the GRC methodology and reporting obligations under FuelEU Maritime and IMO GHG measures.
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