Katalist Launches as First Book & Claim System to Decarbonize Maritime Shipping

Katalist Launches as First Book & Claim System to Decarbonize Maritime Shipping

(IN BRIEF) The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) and RMI have launched Katalist, the first book & claim system for maritime shipping, enabling cargo owners and forwarders to reduce their carbon footprint without requiring a direct link between their cargo and sustainably-fueled vessels. By allocating the environmental benefits of sustainable fuels across the supply chain, Katalist supports the decarbonization of the shipping industry. The system, verified by independent third-party audits, allows companies to claim credible emission reductions and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon fuels. With a fuel-agnostic approach, Katalist connects demand for green shipping with the supply of alternative fuels, fostering a faster transition to sustainable maritime practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROTTERDAM, 19-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The shipping industry has entered a new era of decarbonization with the launch of Katalist, the first book & claim system dedicated to maritime transport, developed by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) and RMI. Available as of November 14, this innovative platform empowers cargo owners and forwarders to actively reduce their carbon footprint, even if their shipments are not directly linked to vessels using sustainable fuel.

What is Carbon Insetting?

Carbon insetting offers a sector-specific alternative to traditional carbon offsetting. Instead of funding external projects to counterbalance emissions, insetting directly supports the adoption of sustainable practices within the shipping industry. Through book & claim, cargo owners can purchase the environmental benefits of sustainable marine fuels used elsewhere in the supply chain, accelerating the transition to low-carbon shipping.

“Carbon insetting creates a tangible pathway for reducing emissions within the maritime sector,” explained Frederik Jacobsen of MMMCZCS. “It allows cargo owners to claim emission reductions without requiring a physical link between their cargo and sustainably-fueled ships, thereby aligning economic incentives with environmental goals.”

Advantages of Book & Claim

Compared to offsetting, carbon insetting through Katalist provides numerous benefits:

• Faster adoption of sustainable practices: Cargo owners and forwarders can immediately begin reducing emissions without waiting for low-carbon fuel availability at specific locations.
• Flexible participation: Long-term commitments or coordination with shipping service providers are not required, enabling a swift start.
• Accelerated decarbonization: By connecting demand for green shipping with the supply of alternative fuels, Katalist incentivizes the industry to adopt low-emission solutions.
• Transparency and verification: An independent third party audits data uploaded to the registry, ensuring the credibility of reported emission reductions.

This system also helps shipowners by reducing their reliance on direct customers to share decarbonization costs, fostering a more sustainable ecosystem across the industry.

Ensuring Credibility and Standardization

Katalist employs a robust registry system where verified data on voyages using sustainable fuels is uploaded by shipping lines. This data is independently audited to guarantee transparency and reliability, enabling cargo owners to claim verified emission reductions for their ocean transport services.

“Our methodology is fuel-agnostic, meaning any sustainable marine fuel can be included,” Jacobsen noted. “This flexibility ensures Katalist is accessible to almost all vessel types and aligns with the global nature of maritime shipping.”

Collaboration for a Greener Future

The Katalist initiative is the result of collaboration between MMMCZCS, RMI, and key stakeholders like the Port of Rotterdam Authority. As a not-for-profit organization, MMMCZCS operates independently from the shipping giant Mærsk, focusing solely on driving innovation for zero-carbon shipping.

“Through Katalist, companies have a unique opportunity to proactively contribute to the decarbonization of the maritime industry,” Jacobsen added. “By channeling customer willingness to pay for sustainable practices, this system creates an immediate impact on reducing emissions while preparing the sector for a more sustainable future.”

About Katalist

Katalist has been set up by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) and RMI (formerly known as Rocky Mountain Institute). MMMCZCS operates as a not-for-profit organization, independently from the shipping giant Mærsk. They have partnered with key stakeholders in the sector, including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to set up Katalist and make sure the system works for the industry.

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SOURCE: Port of Rotterdam