Glossary
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
A global vessel‑tracking system that broadcasts real‑time ship positions, speed, and movement patterns. MEP uses third-party AIS data to determine port calls, operational time, and vessel activity within your port boundary.
Alongside
An operation mode where the vessel is berthed and connected to shore for loading, unloading, or idle time. Typically, one of the largest contributors to port emissions.
Anchorages
Designated offshore waiting zones where vessels hold position before berthing. Emissions here reflect auxiliary engine and generator use.
Bubble Matrix
A visual chart where bubble size represents emissions magnitude. Used to compare emissions across vessel types and operation modes.
Criteria Pollutants
A group of air pollutants such as NOx, SOx, CO, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, VOCs, benzene, toluene, xylenes, CO, formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, PAHs and selected polychlorinated toxins/furans.
DWT (Deadweight Tonnage)
A measure of the maximum weight a vessel can safely carry. Used in MEP to group vessels and set emission targets.
Emission Intensity (kg/hr)
Emissions expressed relative to operating time. MEP uses intensity to compare efficiency across vessel types.
GHG (Greenhouse Gas)
Gases contributing to global warming. MEP models – carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and provides a total GHG Emissions which are measured using tCO₂e₁₀₀yr (carbon dioxide equivalent - used to convert emissions from various GHG emissions to CO2 over a 100-year global warming potential)
GHG Rating
RightShip’s efficiency benchmarking tool comparing a vessel’s design energy efficiency (EEDI/EEX/EVDII) against its peers.
Operation Mode
One of four activity categories:
- Alongside - Vessel is stopped at a berth and the propulsion engine/s are turned off, with only auxiliary engines running.
- Anchorage - Vessel is anchored at an anchorage point and the propulsion engine/s are turned off, with only auxiliary engines running.
- Transit - Vessel is moving within the port boundary, e.g. shipping channel.
- Manoeuvre - Vessel is approaching or leaving a berth.
Each operational mode reflects different vessel activities and is associated with a distinct engine load and emissions profile.
Point of Interest (POI)
A defined geographic location within the port boundary that supports the classification of vessel operational modes and the attribution of emissions. POIs are used to spatially allocate emissions to specific port activities and include locations such as berths, terminals, anchorages, tugboat zones, and manoeuvring areas.
Port Boundary
The geofenced perimeter used to determine which vessel activities and emissions are captured by the MEP.
Port Call
A port call occurs when a vessel enters the defined port boundary to undertake commercial operations or offshore support activities, as identified using AIS data. The port boundary determines when a vessel is considered to have commenced operation and completed a port call for the purposes of activity and emissions assessment.
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct emissions from vessels operated by the port or its subsidiaries inside the boundary. Requires submitting in scope vessel IMO lists to RightShip for correct attribution.
Scope 3 Emissions
Indirect emissions from third‑party vessels during activities within the port boundary.
tCO₂e₁₀₀yr (tonnes of CO₂ equivalent)
A standardised GHG metric combining CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O to a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) based on the IPCC 100‑year global warming potential.
Traffic Light System (Targets)
Colour coding showing how emissions compare to port‑defined targets which are set by each port, e.g.:
- Green = meeting target
- Amber = ≤15% above target
- Red = >15% above target