COMPAS aims to generate the robust, widely accepted evidence required to elevate remote, tamper proof shipping emissions monitoring to the standard necessary for legally binding enforcement. The primary focus is on SOx, NOx, BC, and UFP/PN, pollutants currently under discussion within the IMO. For additional species, including CH₄, N2O, NH₃, PM, CO, and NMVOC, the project advances remote monitoring to enable reliable emission factor reporting and effective screening of vessels that may require follow up actions when elevated emission levels are detected.
For all pollutants, COMPAS enhances CEMS systems and sampling approaches to ensure ship operators can obtain an accurate and reliable overview of their fleet’s emission performance when needed. Protocols and methods for harmonized monitoring and for identifying both current and future proof compliance are validated through cross comparison field campaigns and implementation studies.
Using these harmonized measurement methods, the project develops improved emission factors and applies them to strengthen emission inventories, source apportionment, and air quality visualization in port environments. A new port management toolbox, integrated with a real time decision support system that collects and communicates vessel performance data, will be deployed in operational settings to enhance port performance and decision making.
To deliver this evidence base, COMPAS will deploy and demonstrate its tools and techniques across multiple TEN T ports and inland only ports in diverse European sea basins and river systems. Active involvement of authorities within the consortium, together with strong links to international marine protection committees represented on the project’s advisory board, ensures broad dissemination and maintains a close feedback loop with policy and regulatory processes. This accelerates the uptake of project recommendations and findings in forthcoming vessel emission regulations.
