The Athens-based Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) has launched a major new industry programme, combining research, real-world pilot projects and data management applications development to help reduce GHG emissions from the existing global shipping fleet.
The programme is designed to close the gap between theoretical solutions and operational reality, supporting shipowners with practical insight into how technologies perform under real trading conditions. At its core is a co-ordinated approach built around three pillars: targeted research, pilot deployment and structured data management. Together, these aim to generate clear, evidence-based understanding of which solutions can deliver scalable emissions reductions and under what conditions.
MERC has introduced a pilot initiative designed to test a range of energy saving devices and technologies under real-world operating conditions. These will generate data on performance, integration and commercial viability across different vessel segments, with findings feeding directly into fleet operations and future technology development.
Complementing this, MERC is establishing frameworks and platforms to manage and analyse emissions-reduction data generated through the research and pilot activity. The aim is to improve consistency, transparency and comparability across technologies and vessel types.
Nikos Kakalis, MERC MD, said: “Our new research programme positions MERC as an implementation-focused industry platform helping shipowners navigate the practical realities of decarbonising under regulatory pressure and real market conditions. What we are seeing now is a clear shift towards real-world testing, where the constraints, costs and integration challenges become fully visible. Our role is to bring that evidence together in a way that supports better, faster decisions for shipowners.”
As part of the programme, MERC is developing a series of research outputs reflecting direct shipowner experience. The first of these, focused on onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS), developed with MERC member Star Bulk, is expected to be released during summer 2026.
Kakalis added: “Together, this approach signals a more structured, evidence-led approach to decarbonisation. By linking research, real-world testing and data analysis, MERC is working to close the gap between technical potential and operational reality.”
MERC is an Athens-based non-profit initiative co-established by leading shipowners Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime Agency, Star Bulk, Thenamaris (Ships Management) and the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, with enabling support from Lloyd’s Register. MERC recently announced Cargill Ocean Transportation and DryDocks World as its latest members.
Image: MERC MD Nikos Kakalis (source: MERC)
