As EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ and CSRD requirements tighten, Procureship and ReFlow’s new tool, the ‘EmissionPassport’, offers shipping companies an automated, consultant-free solution to calculate and future-proof Scope 3 data within their maritime procurement workflow.

For many shipping companies, the conversation around decarbonisation and emissions has long been dominated by the topic of fuel. Whether the transition is to various alternatives like LNG, ammonia or methanol, it only addresses Scope 1 emissions.

However, as the European Union alters its Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements, a new and more complex challenge has emerged – Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 3 emissions are tied to the everyday procurement and logistics needs of ship owners and managers and their fleets. These emissions are generated from husbandry goods and services such as lubricants, waste management, repairs and maintenance. Historically, data for this has largely been overlooked as it is difficult to calculate without relying on consultants, manual spreadsheets and months of data chasing.

In addition to reducing and reporting Scope 3 emissions, shipping companies are using this data to control costs, enhance purchasing capabilities and prepare for greener fleets.

Data by maritime climate specialist ReFlow indicates that as greener fuels and energy-saving devices reduce operational emissions, Scope 3 emissions will make up a larger share of the total footprint. As such, as supply chains evolve, the industry is seeing a critical shift in the need for data visibility.

A shift in procurement and supply chain visibility

To help companies address their Scope 3 compliance, Procureship, a leading e-procurement platform used by over 100 shipowners globally, has partnered with maritime climate data specialist ReFlow.

Together, they have developed the ‘EmissionPassport’. Launched earlier this year, this feature is a climate calculation engine integrated directly into the platform’s procurement workflow. With data from over 10,000 suppliers, it allows shipowners and managers to see the carbon footprint of every product and service.

Carsten Schmidt, Vice President of Sales at Procureship, describes understanding the types of Scope 3 emissions in the marine procurement space as a “gamechanger” for the sector.

“By launching the ‘EmissionPassport’, Procureship is giving shipping players the tools and data they have been asking for to measure and compete. It’s an easy win for the next three to five years of regulation,” he adds.

By having visibility over the supply chain, companies can make informed decisions, such as accessing more climate-conscious suppliers or purchasing greener products. Using these data points through the ‘EmissionPassport’ enables companies to evaluate their Scope 3 emissions and make alternative procurement-based choices, as well as enhance their emissions reporting capabilities.

“Certain shipping players operating within the revised CSRD will be needing Scope 3 data that is automated, accurate and ready at a moment’s notice,” explains Mogens Thyssen, Chief Commercial Officer at ReFlow. “The upcoming reporting requirements will be far easier for those who already have a clear view of their procurement-related Scope 3 emissions.”

A practical pathway to compliance

The partnership between Procureship and ReFlow offers a solution to a challenge the industry has quietly struggled with for years. Access to this data enables shipping players to track decarbonisation strategies to see what has worked and adjust accordingly.

By making emissions data automated, compliant, and integrated with supplier data, shipping players can finally take real, measurable steps to reduce Scope 3 emissions and enhance their reporting capabilities with clarity.

As the deadline for new EU reporting looms, such data-driven integrations indicate a shift where supply chain transparency is just as critical to fleet operations as the type of fuel itself.

“This new process is about empowering shipping companies to do things better, having greater clarity on their emissions data and understanding effective and real-world actions that can help them on their decarbonisation journey,” Schmidt emphasises.