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Automated Data Catcher Use Case #2 - Automated Compliance Reporting: EU ETS, MRV and DCS

  • efil52
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Introduction


This document outlines the Automated Compliance Reporting solution developed by Gelectric. The primary objective of this solution is to streamline the complex reporting requirements for EU ETS, IMO DCS, and EU MRV. By utilizing the Automated Data Catcher, we transform unstructured vessel data into verified, audit-ready datasets, ensuring that shipping companies meet their environmental obligations accurately and on time.


Background


The maritime industry is facing a new era of environmental accountability. Regulations such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime initiative require vessel operators to report precise emissions data. Historically, this has been a manual, fragmented process involving the collection of paper-based bunker delivery notes and manual noon reports. As carbon emissions now carry a direct financial cost in the form of EU Allowances (EUAs), the margin for error in reporting has disappeared.


Problem Statement


The primary challenges identified in regulatory compliance reporting include:


  • High Financial Risk: Inaccurate reporting can lead to significant overpayment for carbon credits or heavy non-compliance penalties.

  • Verification Bottlenecks: Verifiers often reject reports due to missing data or inconsistencies between different unstructured sources (e.g., BDN vs. Logbook).

  • Administrative Burden: Compliance teams spend thousands of hours manually transcribing data from PDFs and emails into reporting portals.

  • Lack of Real-time Strategy: Without structured data, companies cannot forecast their carbon tax exposure until the end of the reporting period.


Objectives


The primary objectives of this solution:


  • To automate the end-to-end data pipeline for regulatory emissions reporting using the Automated Data Catcher.

  • To ensure 100% data consistency between fuel consumption, distance traveled, and time spent in EU ports.

  • To provide real-time "Carbon Tax" visibility, allowing for better financial planning.

  • To reduce the time spent on third-party verification by providing structured, transparent audit trails.

  • To minimize the risk of penalties through automated data validation and anomaly detection.

 

Solution


Automated Data Catcher for Compliance


To address the identified problems, Gelectric provides a dedicated compliance layer within the automated data pipeline:


  • Automated Data Harvesting: Extracting data points from noon reports, departure/arrival reports, and bunker delivery notes regardless of format.

  • Geofencing Integration: Automatically correlating unstructured port-call data with AIS coordinates to verify "In-Port" vs. "At-Sea" status for EU ETS scoping.

  • Standardized Output: Converting messy inputs into the specific XML/Excel formats required by THETIS-MRV and other regulatory portals.

  • Emission Factor Mapping: Automatically applying the correct CO2​ conversion factors based on the fuel type identified in the BDN.


Key Data Points Captured


1.      Port-to-Port Voyage Details Extracting arrival/departure times, berth stay durations, and cargo quantities. Source: Arrival/Departure Reports & Port Log PDFs.

2.     Fuel-Specific Emission Profiles Differentiating between HFO, LFO, and Biofuels to apply correct emission multipliers. Source: Bunker Delivery Notes (BDNs).

3.     Transport Work Metrics Calculating "Cargo Handled" vs. "Distance Traveled" to fulfill MRV efficiency reporting requirements. Source: Cargo Manifests & Noon Reports.

4.    Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Usage Tracking time connected to shore power to reduce taxable emissions under FuelEU Maritime. Source: Technical Logs & Engine Room PDFs.

 

Data Collection and Analysis


Following the activation of the Automated Data Catcher, the compliance team gains access to a pre-verification dashboard:


  • EUA Exposure Tracking: A real-time running total of the carbon credits the vessel/fleet will owe.

  • Data Conflict Alerts: Immediate notification if the "Fuel Burnt" in a noon report exceeds the "Fuel Purchased" in a BDN.

  • Verification Package Generation: One-click generation of the entire evidence folder for the external verifier, including the original unstructured source files and their structured counterparts.

  • Strategy Simulation: Analyzing how changing fuel types or speeds on specific routes will impact compliance costs.


Conclusion


The Gelectric Automated Data Catcher removes the friction and risk from maritime compliance. By automating the data journey from the vessel’s deck to the regulator’s desk, we ensure that compliance is a byproduct of efficient operations rather than a manual chore. In an era where "data is currency," our solution ensures your emissions reporting is as precise as your financial accounting.


To learn more or request demo:


 
 
 
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