DatamarLab to Release Executive Report on Maritime Shipping Emissions in Coming Weeks

DatamarLab is preparing to release an Executive Report in the coming weeks that translates the results of its proof of concept on maritime shipping emissions into information to support decision-making. Intended for shipowners, operators, ports, terminals, exporters and importers, the publication will show what analyzing a voyage can reveal about fuel choices, operational efficiency and the share of carbon emissions attributed to each shipment. DatamarLab’s Pioneer Sponsors will receive it first.

The release is one of the highlights of the third edition of DatamarLab’s newsletter, published in October 2026. Those interested in keeping up with upcoming releases and research progress can subscribe to the newsletter.

Subscribe to the DatamarLab newsletter to follow the Executive Report’s release, receive future editions and stay up to date on the initiative: https://www.datamar.com/pt/datamar-lab

What the Executive Report Covers

Organized into three parts—why measure, what was measured and what decisions this can inform—the report connects scientific findings with the issues facing companies involved in maritime trade.

In its analysis of fuels, the publication shows why alternatives with similar onboard emissions can yield different results when their full life cycles, including production, are considered. It also examines how engine technology and methane slip influence the climate performance of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

On operations, the report shows how emissions are distributed across the ten legs of the voyage studied and compares the contributions of activities at sea, at berth and at anchor. The vessel spent 17 days in port and 44 at sea. Simulations of the same voyage at 11, 16 and 23 knots allow an assessment of speed’s impact on emissions and the potential reductions associated with slower sailing.

The publication also analyzes the influence of variables such as draft, hull condition and engine efficiency at low loads, identifying the main sources of uncertainty in the estimates.

On allocating emissions among shipments, the report addresses the role of empty containers and shows how the choice of calculation basis—per TEU, metric ton or TEU-kilometer, with or without empty containers—changes carbon intensity indicators. This analysis helps explain why exporters using the same vessel and route may have different results.

Finally, the publication discusses the implications for contracts and commercial decisions: how a per-shipment emissions figure can help verify carbon surcharges and become part of freight quotes alongside rates and transit times.

Information for Different Supply Chain Participants

For shipowners and operators, the report offers an independent baseline of emissions per voyage that can help them assess and substantiate their figures. For ports and terminals, it provides a view of how time at berth and at anchor contributes to shipping’s carbon footprint.

For exporters, importers and freight forwarders, the aim is to show how to identify the share of emissions associated with each shipment, providing a basis for assessing charges and engaging with other parties involved in the operation.

A Single Voyage as a Starting Point

The report is based on the scientific paper from DatamarLab’s proof of concept, which has been completed and is scheduled for publication in October. The study models an actual voyage by the container ship M/V EVER FAME, covering 11 port calls and 13,913 nautical miles between the east coast of South America and Asia.

The analysis uses Datamar event data, including arrivals, berthings, departures, draft at each port call and cargo ownership at both ends. Ten fuel, engine and speed scenarios were evaluated, 982 exporters were identified and 3,251 shipment records were analyzed, each with its share of the voyage’s emissions.

The results are model estimates for one vessel on a single voyage, developed using engineering principles rather than onboard fuel consumption measurements. Work to extend the method to other vessels and routes is underway.

The work is part of the development of a collaborative decision-making framework for maritime shipping in South America. DatamarLab’s goal is to enable companies and regulators to work from a shared foundation of independent, scientifically grounded data, with an initial focus on decarbonization.

Follow Upcoming Releases

In addition to research progress, the DatamarLab newsletter features news and analysis on decarbonization and its implications for maritime shipping.

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Companies interested in joining as Pioneer Sponsors, with early access to the report and a role in defining future topics and features, can contact datamarlab@datamar.com.br.

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