LR and Icebreaker One’s research will give initiators and investors an understanding of how data sharing and risk model changes can drive zero-emission ship financing.

Lloyd’s Register has announced a new research project with Icebreaker One, an independent, non-profit organisation which aims to support the decarbonisation of shipping by influencing investment decisions with data.

The research will aim to help identify and amplify discussions around the key barriers that organisations face for net zero shipping investment and how to overcome these with a ‘net-zero data sharing ecosystem’ that encourages first movers to invest with data-driven rationale.

This project includes interviews and a creative workshop between key stakeholders at both organisations to investigate the potential data sharing has for the maritime energy transition.

By pooling resources, the project will see research with key stakeholders to propose and assess innovations in data sharing, data transparency and ways to best support shipping industry funders to make net zero investments. The project will consider the current available frameworks for assessing decarbonisation technologies and how data contributes to the outcome of these assessments.

Duncan Duffy, Global Head of Technology – Electro Technical Systems, Lloyd’s Register said: “Lloyd’s Register is excited to be involved in this research project with Icebreaker One which will underline the value in data sharing if the maritime industry is to achieve its decarbonisation goals.

“LR is a driving force in enabling and supporting shipping industry funders to make net zero investments and this research, along with its potential results, will encourage new processes and systems as tools in the energy transition journey. The project will equip LR with the knowledge and understanding of the barriers for investing in net zero shipping and enable us to offer effective solutions which address the crucial challenges our industry faces.”

Gavin Starks, CEO and Founder at Icebreaker One, Icebreaker One said: “To get to net zero, we have to finance the decarbonisation of shipping. This means maritime investors need access to trusted, accurate data. Our work with LR will help develop new processes and systems for sharing data that support the race to zero. We’re delighted to be working together to build a web of net-zero data for shipping.”

This research will encourage new processes and systems in the drive for zero emissions and further underlines LR’s commitment to the maritime energy transition, supporting the recent announcement of a Zero Ready Framework to provide the industry shipping with clarity over zero carbon readiness.

The findings from the research project will be presented in a workshop scheduled for early 2023. The workshop will be split into different sessions exploring identified the core challenges for data sharing in the shipping industry. Participants will then co-create and discuss solutions as a group.”