Tripartite Working Group Releases New Data Standards
The Tripartite Joint Industry Working Group (JIWG), chaired by BIMCO, has published version 1.0 of two voluntary frameworks designed to harmonise the exchange of operational and emissions data throughout the maritime supply chain. The Operational Vessel Data (OVD) and Vessel Emissions Reporting (VER) standards are intended to provide a common language for ship owners, operators, classification societies and software providers, without imposing fresh regulatory obligations.
Why a unified approach matters
Historically, stakeholders have grappled with disparate reporting systems and inconsistent data formats, often duplicating effort by re‑entering the same information across multiple platforms. By aligning data definitions, units and structures, the OVD and VER frameworks aim to reduce administrative overhead, improve data quality, and enhance traceability from ship to shore‑based entities.
Operational Vessel Data (OVD)
OVD specifies a structured template for sharing vessel‑level operational metrics such as speed, engine load, fuel consumption and voyage particulars. The framework does not dictate how data are captured on board—whether through existing ECDIS systems, dedicated fuel‑monitoring tools, or emerging IoT sensors—but rather offers a consistent format for transmitting that information to downstream users.
Vessel Emissions Reporting (VER)
VER builds on OVD by delivering a standardised format for reporting verified emissions data. It caters to a variety of commercial contexts, including charter‑party performance assessments, carbon‑offset schemes, and emerging Emission Trading Systems (ETS). By providing a common reporting backbone, VER facilitates easier integration with national registries, port authorities and market‑based mechanisms.
Integration with IMO’s Compendium
The new standards complement earlier BIMCO and IACS work that incorporated emissions‑related data elements into the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business. The Compendium already supplies common definitions for maritime information; OVD and VER extend this by offering practical implementation guidance for real‑time data exchange.
Broader implications for the sector
- Port‑call optimisation: Uniform data can support more accurate arrival predictions and berth allocation.
- Electronic seafarer certificates: Consistent data structures simplify verification of crew credentials.
- Interoperability: Software vendors can develop solutions that plug into a single data model, reducing integration costs.
Overall, the OVD and VER frameworks represent a step toward a digital, data‑driven maritime ecosystem where information flows seamlessly across the value chain, bolstering both operational efficiency and environmental compliance.