IMO DCS
The IMO Data Collection System (DCS) is the reporting system for IMO that collects data as part of SEEMP II. Ships above 5000 GT are required to yearly input aggregated data to flag state. Impact on operations is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Both the EU and IMO require ships to provide yearly energy and emission data. These are two fully separate systems, controlled by different regulatory bodies / governments.
The two monitoring systems are not aligned yet; this results in overlaps and extra paperwork for shipping operators.
While the two systems have the same general objective, there are important differences:
The IMO DCS comprises any activity carried out by ships in the marine environment, while the EU MRV covers only transport of goods and persons.
The IMO DCS applies to all international voyages, while the EU MRV applies only to voyages to and from EEA ports, including domestic voyages.
Emissions in EEA ports are reported separately in the EU MRV system.
The IMO DCS requires annual aggregated data, while the EU MRV uses data per voyage.
The IMO DCS requires data on the deadweight tonnage (the carrying capacity of the ship), while the EU MRV requires data related to transport work (weight of actual cargo carried or number of passengers).
The IMO DCS requires publication of aggregated data, while the EU publishes data on the performance of individual ships.
Description
The Ship Energy Efficiency Management II of all ships above 5000 gross tonnage covered by the IMO DCS must include a description of the methodology for data collection and reporting. After each calendar year, the aggregated data are reported to the flag state. If the data have been reported in accordance with the requirements, the flag state issues a statement of compliance to the ship. Flag states subsequently transfer this data to an IMO ship fuel oil consumption database, which is part of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) platform. IMO will then produce annual reports (see the 2019-report, 2020-report), summarising the data collected.
Impact for you
Cost impact is negligible as only a moderate amount of administration (time) is required to input data into IMO DCS
Time impact (administration) is negligible. The main input data is bunkered fuel, distance and time travelled and needs to be reported per year.
How to mitigate
Annual submission of the aggregated data (see guide)
Everything else for platform
There are currently two systems in place that require reporting of emissions, namely EU-ETS and IMO DCS. While the two systems have the same general objective, there are important differences:
- The IMO DCS comprises any activity carried out by ships in the marine environment, while the EU MRV covers only transport of goods and persons.
- The IMO DCS applies to all international voyages, while the EU MRV applies only to voyages to and from EEA ports, including domestic voyages.
- Emissions in EEA ports are reported separately in the EU MRV system.
- The IMO DCS requires annual aggregated data, while the EU MRV uses data per voyage.
- The IMO DCS requires data on the deadweight tonnage (the carrying capacity of the ship), while the EU MRV requires data related to transport work (weight of actual cargo carried or number of passengers).
- The IMO DCS requires publication of aggregated data, while the EU publishes data on the performance of individual ships.
