Verra has released a new methodology in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, VM0053 Alternative Low-Carbon Fuels for Shipping, v1.0. This methodology provides the first structured, independent accounting framework for quantifying emission reductions in maritime transport, bridging a critical regulatory gap in global trade and enabling the related climate benefits to scale.

VM0053 applies to project activities that involve using low-carbon alternative fuels (e.g., hydrogen produced through water electrolysis, green ammonia, and electro fuels [e-fuels] such as e-LNG, e-LPG, e-diesel, and e-methanol) to replace fossil fuels in shipping. The methodology applies to new or existing ships, regardless of gross tonnage, operating in territorial or high seas.

Maritime shipping carries over 80% of global freight and remains a hard-to-abate sector where reducing greenhouse gas emissions has proven to be challenging. This methodology helps unlock finance for low-carbon alternative fuels by creating a new revenue stream that can offset the high premium associated with e-fuels. It supports the use of drop-in alternative fuels that can be used to displace fossil fuels in the engines of existing fleets, leveraging these fleets to realize emission reductions. Additionally, this methodology provides a credible mechanism for sourcing, verifying, and scaling reductions in value chain emissions.

VMD0053 was developed by Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd., Grütter Consulting, and Verra. The methodology underwent public consultation in 2024 as part of Verra’s methodology development process.

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