At Normec Verifavia, our work spans aviation, shipping, and carbon markets – but few people see the vital role that independent verification plays behind the scenes of environmental compliance and sustainability reporting. Today, we’re sharing insights from Patricia Pinilla, our Business Unit Director for Sustainability Initiatives, whose expertise helps shape credible climate action across these sectors. 

Patricia’s path into the maritime industry began with a strong commitment to environmental progress. Trained as an environmental engineer in Panama and holding a master’s degree in environmental management from France, she first applied her skills in quality assurance for the food industry and aviation catering – experiences that gave her a strong foundation in complex operational systems and global supply chains. 

This diverse foundation has proven essential since she joined Normec Verifavia in 2022, where she began working in the aviation division of the business. Her responsibilities have included verifying airport applications seeking accreditation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, as well as participating in the verification of carbon footprint inventories in accordance with ISO 14064-3 and the GHG Protocol for airport operators. This work involves detailed data analysis and the review of supporting documentation necessary for calculating greenhouse gas emissions. 

Within a year of working at the company, Patricia started to build and lead a new business unit dedicated to voluntary carbon market verification services across all transport modes. Now heading a growing team, Patricia works with a wide range of stakeholders, from maritime carriers to fuel suppliers and freight forwarders, verifying how carbon credits are generated and transferred within complex, global supply chains. 

Patricia explains: “What we do goes far beyond compliance. Verification ensures data integrity, which becomes critical in shaping real policy, funding and progress. Without it, carbon reporting would have no foundation.” 

Patricia and her team engage with clients who are adopting lower-carbon solutions, such as biofuels in shipping, and help ensure the downstream sale of associated carbon credits is transparent, credible, and consistent with international frameworks.

Supporting the Maritime’s Energy Transition 

Though relatively new to maritime, Patricia brings a fresh perspective to Normec Verifavia in its efforts to support the industry’s decarbonisation through independent verification. Her team is actively working with emerging registries focused specifically on maritime carbon accounting, supporting verification schemes that help shipping companies and their customers demonstrate meaningful emissions reductions. 

While the maritime sector may have joined regulatory carbon markets later than others, Patricia sees encouraging momentum. 

“We’re starting to see new regulations, clearer guidance, and stronger interest from clients. The transition won’t be instant, but there’s real movement,” she comments.  

Normec Verifavia’s unique strength lies in its independence and responsiveness. Unlike larger verification bodies, Patricia says her team is often praised for its agility, attention to detail, and ability to guide clients through evolving regulations and maritime specific frameworks such as, Fuel EU maritime, EU ETS and others.   

“Clients often tell us, you respond fast, you know the requirements, and you care. That’s what sets us apart.” she says.

Building a Diverse Team at Normec Verifavia  

One of Patricia’s proudest achievements at Normec Verifavia has been building a diverse and dedicated team. Patricia has created a culture of growth and trust, key factors in retaining staff and expanding capabilities. 

“I’m proud that my team stayed,” she explains. “That may sound simple, but in today’s job market, it’s an accomplishment. It means they feel challenged, supported, and aligned with the mission.” 

Diversity and inclusion are also important to Patricia, especially in the maritime world, where women remain underrepresented. As a woman from Panama, home to one of the world’s most important maritime hubs, she’s personally seen how women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors. 

“Don’t feel intimidated. You may not know everything at first, but if you stay curious and committed, you’ll learn,” she reassures. 

Verification Should be Seen as a Catalyst for Climate Accountability 

Patricia is clear about the challenges ahead, with the tight regulatory timelines, lack of clarity in voluntary frameworks, and the need for better awareness among companies. For her, third-party, expert verification is not just a compliance checkbox, it’s a necessary building block of trust and climate accountability. 

“Ultimately, verified data helps decision-makers see where progress is being made and where it’s not – it’s the bridge between commitment and credibility.”