GHG Protocol for Shipping & Maritime Companies: 2026 Compliance Guide
- →Shipping & Maritime companies in GHG Protocol scope must report on ESRS modules E1, E2, E3, S1, G1. Average sector readiness is only 31%.
- →Key compliance risks: Bunker fuel emissions (Scope 1) and Ocean pollution (E2).
- →Focus on Scope 3 data collection as the primary compliance challenge.
Which GHG Protocol requirements apply to Shipping & Maritime?
Shipping companies, port operators, shipbuilders and maritime logistics providers.
For GHG Protocol compliance, Shipping & Maritime companies must report on the following ESRS topical standards where material: E1, E2, E3, S1, G1. The double materiality assessment will determine which of these modules require full disclosure.
Average compliance readiness across the Shipping & Maritime sector is currently 31% — significantly below the threshold needed for a clean assurance opinion. Most companies in this sector have work to do before their reporting deadline.
Key ESG risks for Shipping & Maritime companies
GHG Protocol requires Shipping & Maritime companies to disclose impacts, risks and opportunities across all material topics. The most commonly material topics for this sector are:
Bunker fuel emissions (Scope 1)
Ocean pollution (E2)
IMO 2030 targets
Shipping & Maritime companies that fail their double materiality assessment risk under-reporting material topics. Auditors pay particular attention to this sector's bunker fuel emissions (scope 1).
Scope 3 emissions for Shipping & Maritime
Scope 3 emissions are typically the largest part of a Shipping & Maritime company's carbon footprint. The most material Scope 3 categories for this sector are categories 4, 9 under the GHG Protocol.
For GHG Protocol compliance under ESRS E1-5, you must:
1. Screen all 15 Scope 3 categories 2. Report on material categories with documented methodology 3. Set Scope 3 reduction targets for material categories 4. Obtain third-party assurance over your Scope 3 data
ESGMaster automates Scope 3 calculation for Shipping & Maritime companies using DEFRA 2026 emission factors.
Start with a spend-based Scope 3 screening across all 15 categories. This identifies which categories are material without requiring detailed activity data — you can then focus detailed calculation effort where it matters most.
GHG Protocol compliance roadmap for Shipping & Maritime
Phase 1 — Assess (Months 1–3) Determine your GHG Protocol scope status, complete a double materiality assessment, and run a gap analysis against ESRS E1, E2, E3, S1, G1.
Phase 2 — Collect (Months 4–9) Build data collection processes for all material ESRS metrics. For Shipping & Maritime, focus on bunker fuel emissions (scope 1) data first — it is typically the hardest to collect and the most scrutinised by auditors.
Phase 3 — Report (Months 10–12) Draft your GHG Protocol report, engage third-party assurance, implement XBRL tagging, and file with your national authority.
ESGMaster compresses this timeline by automating Phases 1 and 2 — delivering your gap analysis in 8 seconds and your draft report in hours.
ESRS modules for Shipping & Maritime — materiality guide
| ESRS Module | Topic | Typical materiality for Shipping & Maritime | Key data required |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Climate change | High | Scope 1, 2, 3 GHG emissions |
| E2 | Pollution | High | Pollutant emissions, waste |
| E3 | Water & marine | High | Water consumption, recycling |
| S1 | Own workforce | High | Headcount, pay gap, turnover |
| G1 | Business conduct | High | Anti-corruption, lobbying |
Frequently asked questions
Does GHG Protocol apply to Shipping & Maritime companies?
Yes, if your Shipping & Maritime company meets the GHG Protocol size thresholds: 1,000+ employees AND €450M+ net turnover (post-Omnibus). Even companies below these thresholds face GHG Protocol-equivalent data requests from their large customers.
Which ESRS modules must Shipping & Maritime companies report on?
Based on typical Shipping & Maritime business models, the most commonly material ESRS modules are E1, E2, E3, S1, G1. However, you must conduct your own double materiality assessment — the final list depends on your specific operations and value chain.
What Scope 3 categories matter most for Shipping & Maritime?
The most material Scope 3 categories for Shipping & Maritime companies are categories 4, 9 under the GHG Protocol. Category 4 is typically the largest source of emissions in this sector.
How long does GHG Protocol compliance take for a Shipping & Maritime company?
From zero to first GHG Protocol report typically takes 12–18 months for Shipping & Maritime companies. The biggest time bottlenecks are Scope 3 data collection and third-party assurance provider engagement. ESGMaster reduces the data collection phase to weeks rather than months.
What does GHG Protocol compliance cost for a Shipping & Maritime company?
Consultant-led GHG Protocol compliance for Shipping & Maritime companies typically costs €100,000–€400,000 in year one, depending on complexity and number of subsidiaries. AI-powered platforms like ESGMaster reduce first-year costs by 60–80%.