Pacific International Lines (PIL) and classification society ABS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the shipping line’s participation in Book and Claim registries, aimed at enabling independently verified claims linked to the use of alternative marine fuels.
The agreement combines PIL’s fleet operations data and commercial insights with ABS’s classification, certification and assurance capabilities to strengthen the credibility and consistency of emissions accounting for low- and zero-emission fuels.
Under the framework, ABS will act as an independent third-party verifier of PIL’s fuel consumption, transport activity and emissions data, providing audit-level oversight for Book and Claim participation and related environmental claims.
Abhishek Chawla, Chief Marine Officer at Pacific International Lines (PIL), said: “PIL is committed to advancing practical decarbonisation solutions for customers and industry. Our MoU with ABS enhances oversight and independent assurance for Book and Claim, ensuring consistent and reliable assessment of emissions and fuel data. This supports broader adoption of low- and zero-emission fuels as their availability grows, while maintaining accuracy in emissions claims.”
From the classification side, ABS emphasised the role of independent verification in supporting digitalisation and emissions transparency across the sector.
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Rostom Merzouki, Vice President, Global Sustainability at ABS, stated: “ABS is committed to helping clients navigate maritime digitalisation with clarity and confidence. As digitalisation accelerates, independent data verification is essential to building the trust that drives meaningful progress. ABS brings deep technical expertise to this work, and we are pleased to support PIL’s commitment to reducing emissions across its fleet.”
The collaboration will focus on improving transparency in emissions monitoring and reporting, while supporting continuous refinement of data governance frameworks linked to alternative fuels.
It also aligns with PIL’s wider decarbonisation strategy and international emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Book and Claim systems in shipping operate as a chain-of-custody mechanism, separating environmental attributes from physical fuel use.
Verified through defined rules and registries, the model enables shippers to claim emissions reductions even where low- and zero-carbon fuels are not physically available on specific routes, potentially accelerating market uptake while maintaining reporting integrity.
For more information:
Pacific International Lines (PIL) – https://www.pilship.com/
