ClassNK launches first ship construction carbon footprint notation for maritime emissions reporting

ClassNK has introduced the world's first classification notation, a-EA (CFP), to verify the carbon footprint generated during ship construction. The notation confirms that a vessel's construction emissions have been calculated and independently verified according to ISO 14067 standards. This addresses growing demand for Scope 3 emissions reporting in the maritime industry. For shipowners, emissions from vessel construction fall under Scope 3 Category 2 (capital goods). Until now, these emissions typically relied on standard emission factors rather than project-specific data. The new notation allows emissions data to reflect actual shipbuilding practices, including the use of low-carbon materials and construction-phase emission reduction measures. The notation has been incorporated into ClassNK's latest Environmental Guidelines. This gives shipping companies a verifiable way to report construction-phase emissions, which could influence procurement decisions and regulatory compliance as Scope 3 reporting requirements tighten across the industry.