Pacific International Lines (PIL) and ABS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a rigorous third-party verification framework for “Book and Claim” emission credits. This partnership enables PIL to provide cargo owners with independently audited, credible claims of carbon reductions from alternative fuels, even when those fuels are not physically available on specific routes. By combining PIL’s operational data with ABS’s technical expertise, the initiative accelerates maritime decarbonization by fostering transparency and trust in the global green fuel transition.
Singapore | April 24, 2026 – In a move set to redefine how the maritime industry accounts for the transition to greener energy, Pacific International Lines (PIL) and ABS have entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Announced on April 24, 2026, during Singapore Maritime Week, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between physical alternative fuel use and verifiable environmental credits.
As the industry grapples with the fragmented availability of low- and zero-carbon fuels, the two organizations are placing their bets on the “Book and Claim“ model. This mechanism allows the environmental benefits (attributes) of a biofuel or green methanol to be decoupled from the physical molecules, allowing cargo owners to “claim” the carbon reduction even if their specific vessel isn’t burning the green fuel at that exact moment.
The Mechanism: Credibility Through Data
The core of the MOU is a rigorous third-party verification framework. ABS will act as the independent auditor, validating PIL’s fuel consumption, transport activities, and resulting emissions data. This layer of oversight is designed to eliminate “double counting” and ensure that any emission reduction claims made by PIL’s customers are backed by hard, audited data.
The collaboration leverages a unique synergy:
- PIL provides the operational frontline, offering real-world fleet data and customer insights from one of the world’s largest container networks.
- ABS contributes its century-old heritage in classification, alongside modern expertise in digital certification and sustainability assurance.
Leadership Perspectives
Top executives from both organizations emphasized that digitalization and transparency are the only ways to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) increasingly stringent decarbonization targets.
Abhishek Chawla, PIL Chief Marine Officer said “PIL is committed to advancing practical decarbonisation solutions for customers and industry. Our MOU with ABS enhances oversight and independent assurance for Book and Claim, ensuring consistent and reliable assessment of emissions and fuel data. This supports broader adoption of low- and zero-emission fuels as their availability grows, while maintaining accuracy in emissions claims.”
Rostom Merzouki, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability said “ABS is committed to helping clients navigate maritime digitalisation with clarity and confidence. As digitalisation accelerates, independent data verification is essential to building the trust that drives meaningful progress. ABS brings deep technical expertise to this work, and we are pleased to support PIL’s commitment to reducing emissions across its fleet.“
Why “Book and Claim” Matters Now
For a global carrier like PIL, bunkering green fuels at every port is currently an impossibility due to infrastructure gaps. The Book and Claim system solves this logistical bottleneck. It creates a chain-of-custody approach where the “green” value of fuel used on one route (e.g., Singapore to Rotterdam) can be transferred to a customer shipping goods on a route where green fuel is not yet available.
By removing the constraint of physical fuel availability, this partnership accelerates the financial incentive for shipowners to invest in alternative fuels today, rather than waiting for a global bunkering network to mature.
ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
A global titan in maritime classification, ABS has spent over 160 years setting the standards for safety and excellence at sea. Today, it serves as a critical technical advisor to the marine and offshore industries, spearheading innovations in clean technology, artificial intelligence, and digital assurance. With a worldwide network of surveyors and engineers, ABS is focused on the complete life cycle of offshore assets, ensuring that the industry’s push toward decarbonization remains safe, efficient, and scientifically grounded.
Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Established in 1967, PIL has grown from a regional coastal operator to become one of the top 12 container shipping lines globally. As the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia, PIL operates a versatile fleet of over 100 vessels. Its network spans 500 locations across more than 90 countries, with a strategic stronghold in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company is currently undergoing a massive digital and environmental transformation to provide end-to-end sustainable logistics solutions.
Source: Pacific International Lines (PIL)