BIMCO-led initiative sets common standards for ship data
Bureau Veritas has already adopted the vessel data framework.
The Tripartite Joint Industry Working Group (JIWG), chaired by BIMCO, has released version 1.0 of two voluntary frameworks to standardise how operational vessel data and emissions reporting information are exchanged across the maritime industry.
The Operational Vessel Data (OVD) and Vessel Emissions Reporting (VER) frameworks set out a common approach for exchanging data between ships, shipping companies, software providers, verification bodies, and other authorised users.
They do not introduce new reporting obligations.
“The maritime industry does not need more ways of exchanging the same information. It needs a common approach that allows data to move efficiently between organisations and systems,” said Jeppe Skovbakke Juhl, Chief Naval Architect for Regulatory Affairs at BIMCO and chair of the JIWG.
The JIWG operates under the Tripartite, a forum bringing together shipowners and operators, shipbuilders, and classification societies.
OVD provides a structured format for operational vessel and fuel-consumption data, with common data elements, names, units, and structures. It does not prescribe how ships collect data, which software they use or where information is stored.
VER complements OVD by standardising the exchange of emissions information and its verification status for user-defined reporting periods. Applications include charter-party performance, emissions trading scheme cost allocation, and FuelEU pooling.
The frameworks respond to growing reporting demands under the IMO Data Collection System and the EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system, where differing datasets and system formats mean the same information is often mapped, entered, and checked repeatedly.
Together, OVD and VER are intended to let operational data be collected once and reused for reporting, verification, and other purposes.
Some classification societies have begun adopting the frameworks.
“Bureau Veritas has already adopted OVD for emissions data collection and supports this industry-led effort to establish common approaches for data exchange,” said Vincent Joly, Smartship Manager for Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.
RINA is also taking steps to adopt it within its emissions reporting processes, according to Michela Schenone, Marine Digital and Class Solutions Operations Director at RINA.
DNV initially developed OVD, and ClassNK prepared the initial VER draft. Both were then developed collaboratively by participating organisations.
The work builds on earlier efforts by BIMCO and the International Association of Classification Societies to add emissions-reporting data elements to the IMO’s Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business.
Whilst the compendium provides common definitions and formats, OVD and VER add a practical framework for exchanging operational data and verified emissions results.
The JIWG said version 1.0 is a baseline for implementation, with feedback from real-world use expected to highlight where definitions, guidance, tools, and data structures need refinement.
It will also consider findings from the industry consultation and identify priorities for further development.
It will also assess options for moving the frameworks to independent, broadly representative governance, with clear ownership, open participation, transparent decision-making, and predictable change management.
No final model has been selected, and the JIWG will continue overseeing the work until an appropriate structure is ready to take over.
