The Sea Cargo Charter (SCC) is a pioneering global framework that helps charterers, shipowners, and operators align their activities with the climate goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). More than just a reporting obligation, the SCC introduces a data-driven, science-based approach to evaluating how well shipping operations conform to a trajectory compatible with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
What sets SCC apart is its transparency mandate, participants must publicly disclose their fleet’s climate alignment annually, using carbon intensity metrics like the AER (Annual Efficiency Ratio) and EEOI (Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator). The initiative is voluntary, yet rapidly gaining traction as a standard for climate leadership in maritime transport.
Source: Sea Cargo Charter
As a globally trusted third-party verifier, Normec Verifavia specializes in emissions data verification across maritime, aviation, and sustainability sectors. Known for its technical accuracy and deep regulatory expertise, Normec Verifavia supports clients in meeting the growing demands of ESG compliance, particularly those that require transparent and verified emissions reporting.
In 2024, Normec Verifavia completed the verification of vessels for Maersk Tankers, achieving 99.0% reporting coverage under the SCC’s preferred verification pathway. This engagement underscores both the credibility of the Maersk Tankers reporting system and Normec Verifavia’s ability to assure quality at scale.
Normec Verifavia’s verification work for Maersk Tankers covered data across all four quarters of 2024 and reflected the operator’s strong climate alignment and commitment to transparent disclosure. As a signatory of the Sea Cargo Charter since January 2021, Maersk Tankers continues to demonstrate leadership in the sector by voluntarily participating in the SCC framework and consistently meeting its comprehensive reporting expectations.
This year’s reporting reflects Maersk Tankers’ proactive adaptation to evolving fleet composition and sustainability frameworks. The company’s commitment to measuring and disclosing climate alignment through structured methodologies including carbon intensity, distance-weighted emissions, and alignment trajectories demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to ESG transparency.
Third-party verification plays a critical role in reinforcing this context, ensuring the integrity and credibility of reported data.
With IMO climate targets becoming more ambitious and investors increasingly demanding validated ESG disclosures, frameworks like the Sea Cargo Charter will play a crucial role in the future of maritime sustainability.
This verification milestone not only showcases Maersk Tankers’ leadership in operational transparency but also confirms Normec Verifavia’s position as a trusted partner in climate data assurance.
As the Sea Cargo Charter notes: “By committing to the Charter, signatories make climate alignment an integral part of commercial decision-making.”
Normec Verifavia looks forward to deepening its role in enabling such impactful partnerships and supporting maritime stakeholders in delivering measurable, independently verified emissions performance.
