---
source_url: "https://verra.org/verra-publishes-new-methodology-for-alternative-low-carbon-fuels-in-shipping/"
title: Verra Publishes New Methodology for Alternative Low-Carbon Fuels in Shipping - Verra
mirrored_at: 2026-08-24T03:33:04.431Z
host: verra.org
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/verra.org/verra-publishes-new-methodology-for-alternative-low-carbon-fuels-in-shipping/index"
---

> **Original source:** https://verra.org/verra-publishes-new-methodology-for-alternative-low-carbon-fuels-in-shipping/

![](https://verra.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/shutterstock_1515258689-scaled.jpg)

Tanker ship cruising open ocean sea via Shutterstock

Verra has released a new methodology in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, [_VM0053 Alternative Low-Carbon Fuels for Shipping, v1.0_](https://verra.org/methodologies/vm0053-alternative-low-carbon-fuels-for-shipping-v1-0/). This methodology provides the first structured, independent accounting framework for quantifying emission reductions in maritime transport, bridging a critical regulatory gap in global trade and enabling the related climate benefits to scale.

_VM0053_ applies to project activities that involve using low-carbon alternative fuels (e.g., hydrogen produced through water electrolysis, green ammonia, and electro fuels \[e-fuels\] such as e-LNG, e-LPG, e-diesel, and e-methanol) to replace fossil fuels in shipping. The methodology applies to new or existing ships, regardless of gross tonnage, operating in territorial or high seas.

Maritime shipping carries over 80% of global freight and remains a hard-to-abate sector where reducing greenhouse gas emissions has proven to be challenging. This methodology helps unlock finance for low-carbon alternative fuels by creating a new revenue stream that can offset the high premium associated with e-fuels. It supports the use of drop-in alternative fuels that can be used to displace fossil fuels in the engines of existing fleets, leveraging these fleets to realize emission reductions. Additionally, this methodology provides a credible mechanism for sourcing, verifying, and scaling reductions in value chain emissions.

_VMD0053_ was developed by [Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd.](https://www.iino.co.jp/kaiun/english/), [Grütter Consulting](https://grutterconsulting.com/), and Verra. The methodology underwent [public consultation in 2024](https://verra.org/consultation-new-methodology-for-alternative-low-carbon-fuels-in-shipping/) as part of Verra’s methodology development process.