MEP FAQs
1. How does MEP calculate emissions?
MEP integrates high‑frequency AIS data with RightShip’s proprietary vessel datasets, including verified technical specifications, engine and auxiliary power characteristics, and vessel‑specific operating profiles. These inputs are combined with recognised engine load profiles and internationally accepted emissions factors to model emissions for each vessel across all operational modes, including manoeuvring, berthing, and hoteling.
Emissions (GHG and air pollutants) are calculated at a fine spatial and temporal resolution, enabling accurate attribution to specific points of interest, berths, terminals, port activities, and are subsequently aggregated into intuitive dashboard views for analysis and reporting.
2. What emissions does MEP include?
MEP models up to 16 emissions, including GHG emissions such as CO₂, CH₄, N₂O (combined into tCO₂e₁₀₀yr); and air pollutants, including NOx, SOx, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, CO, VOCs, etc.
3. How accurate is AIS‑based modelling?
AIS provides objective vessel position, movement, and speed data within a designated port boundary. Combined with verified vessel specifications, this approach gives a reliable, consistent, and auditable basis for emissions modelling across all vessel types.
4. How often is MEP updated?
AIS data used within MEP can be obtained and processed monthly. While customers typically opt for quarterly updates, the platform can support monthly deliveries. Data is quality‑assured quarterly, incorporating the latest AIS inputs alongside any updates to vessel technical data, port boundaries, and Points of Interest.
5. What is the difference between Scope 1 and Scope 3 in MEP?
- Scope 1: Emissions from vessels owned or operated by the port authority (requires submission of IMO vessel lists).
- Scope 3: Emissions from all other third‑party vessels operating within the port boundary.
6. Why are alongside emissions often the highest in a port?
While berthed, vessels typically operate auxiliary generators to supply power for onboard systems such as lighting, heating and cooling, and cargo handling. Combined with the amount of time vessels spend alongside, berthing activity can account for a significant share of total port emissions, often up to half, making it a key hotspot for targeted emissions reduction measures.
7. How does the MEP support onshore power developments?
MEP supports onshore power developments by quantifying berth‑related emissions by vessel type, berth, and time spent alongside, helping ports identify where onshore power will deliver the greatest emissions and air‑quality benefits. It also enables before‑and‑after comparison to demonstrate reductions in CO₂e and the elimination of local NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions once shore power is implemented.
8. Can I export data from MEP?
Yes. Use ‘Generate Report’ for PDF outputs or ‘Action → Excel Export’ on the Vessels page for granular vessel call and emissions spreadsheets.
9, What is the value of Scenario Planning?
Scenario Planning helps ports evaluate future conditions such as traffic increases, operational improvements, fuel type changes, or onshore power adoption. It shows the projected change in total emissions, helping support investment and other future potential users.
10. Can MEP help with regulatory reporting (regional, national, and local)?
Yes. While IMO reporting is vessel‑focused and remains the responsibility of shipowners, MEP provides complementary, port‑based emissions insights by vessel type, activity, and operational mode. This supports regional, national and local reporting, policy development, and wider regulatory and voluntary disclosures.
11. How are emission targets set?
Ports can choose:
- Absolute (kg/hr) targets per vessel type or DWT, or
- Relative (%) reduction targets against a baseline year.
12. Can MEP identify “high emission vessels”?
Yes. The Dashboard and Insights pages include highest emitters, vessels exceeding targets, and correlation charts highlighting anomalies.This provides ports an opportunity to deploy effective emission reduction strategies.
13. Can I change the port boundary or POIs?
Yes. Updated shapefiles for port boundaries or POIs can be submitted to RightShip at any time after onboarding. These updates can be implemented following review and processing, and once applied, will be reflected across all dashboards and can be defined on a year‑to‑year basis.
14. Why does the Dashboard show different results when I change date range?
Date range affects which AIS movements and vessel calls fall within the period. Seasonal traffic patterns, weather delays, and operational changes can cause variation.
15. Does MEP include emissions from tugboats?
Yes. MEP includes emissions from tugboats, which are estimated separately from visiting vessels using AIS‑identified tugboat activity within port zones and representative tugboat operational logic and assumptions.