Stack Emission Testing per ISO-8178

Are you confident that your propulsion configuration meets its performance standards? Does your change in bunker strategy require a precise data-driven impact analysis? Do you want to verify the GHG emission reduction potential of switching to biofuels or fuel additives? Or are you looking to ensure accurate Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) and GHG emissions at different engine loads?

Many ships carry a CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring System) that measures gas contents from the stack. This may need calibration to validate its measurements.

We measure emissions from your vessel’s engine for greenhouse gases (GHG) and pollutants emitted from the exhaust. This service includes proper and detailed preparation, to generate verifiable insights by comparing a actual measurements on the test to a like-for-like measured baseline. Tests are performed per ISO-8178 protocols; do not accept anything less.

Our certified equipment and test protocol can measure parameters such as O2 (Oxygen), CO (Carbon monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NO (Nitric Oxide), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), CH4 (methane) and PM (particulate matter). 

Ship exhausting smoke

We check your stack for:

Choose Control Union for your Stack-Check

ISO-8178 Certified Tests

Reliable decision-making with precise stack emission measurements.

From setting the baseline to delivering the impact report, our tests are thorough and accurate. You should not settle for anything less.

Proof to Your Promise

Dependable support system.

Standardized service coordinated across our global network of in-house, certified stack emission testing hubs.

Unmatched Flexibility

Cost-efficient and flexible testing.

We know shipping inside out. We perform the tests for minimal impact on your operations and vessel´s schedule. 

Global Coverage

Standardized solution accross our global network of hubs.

The same ISO-8178 certified solution accross any Control Unions service locations. 

Ship sailing while producing emissions

Why do you need Stack Emission Measurements?

Engine reconfigurations and fuel experiments are too costly for estimates. You need real data-driven, scientifically sound, precise measurements to base your decisions on.

Do you have questions whether Stack Emission Measurements with our quality standards are required for your vessel?

The ISO-8178 certification protocol sets requirements for detailed baselining and ensures that measurements under different circumstances on different days still are comparable. This we call: like-for-like testing. Our tests yield real, verified results to give solid, practical insights.

Get Stack Emissions tested now

That’s simple: secure your Stack Emission Measurements per ISO-8178 now by simply sending us an e-mail, whatsapp, or calling our team. Our qualified pool of in-house inspectors can board your good vessel in one of the main shipping seaports around the globe. Even when you’re in a hurry, we can help you.

VPC, trusted all over the world

We are Control Union Vessel Performance Centre B.V. (VPC). We are part of Royal Peterson and Control Union. Our VPC offers vessel compliance and performance solutions to shipping. We deliver our services globally under a single quality system, through our network of Control Union offices. Our central team of experts is your single point of contact for our global services.

Control Union has a large pool of qualified inspectors. Our team measures the source emissions from your vessel’s engine, capturing greenhouse gases (GHG) and pollutants emitted from the exhaust. Our certified equipment and test protocol can measure parameters such as O2 (Oxygen), CO (Carbon monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NO (Nitric Oxide), Nitous Oxide (N2O), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), CH4 (methane), and PM (particulate matter). 

More about VPC or Peterson and Control Union?

Book your Stack Test

Class Approvals

Control Union Vessel Performance Centre B.V. holds the “Approved subcontractor”- status from leading Class societies. Click the logo to see the certificate.

Control Union Certifications is a US Coast Guard-accepted Independent Laboratory (IL) for testing of BWMS in accordance with 46 CFR 162.060.

GHG Emissions Regulations

EU-MRV
The EU requires Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (EU-MRV) for ships over 5,000 GT (and over 400 GT from 1 January 2025) calling European ports regardless of their Flag, as per EU Regulation 2015/757 and amending Regulation (EU)2023/957. Only Accredited Verifiers independent from the entity providing Monitoring and Reporting, can sign-off on Emissions Reports to be reported in Thetis-EU and included in each ships’ Document of Compliance (DoC).

IMODCS and China-DCS
In  2019 the IMO Data Collection System (IMODCS) became obligatory for vessels above 5,000 GT, to collect fuel use, emissions and ship service information per each vessel’s approved SEEMP II. This regulation is based on MARPOL Annex VI . Recognized Organizations (RO) like Class Societies verify IMODCS reports. The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration started its Data Collection on Energy Consumption (China-DCS): similar but different Emission reporting from any vessel calling specific Chinese ports per regulation from the MSA China Maritime Safety Administration in 2018 (contact us for your copy).

CII  and EEXI
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)  is a system for ships to gradually reduce emissions, that the IMO developed as a mandatory measure under MARPOL Annex VI since 1 January 2023. At that time IMO also implemented its Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) to rate energy-efficiency of different vessels, which is included in each vessel’s International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Survey by Class.

SEEMP III
From 1 January 2023, ships of 5,000 GT and above must have a verified Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP Part III) on board to document how their vessel plans to achieve its CII-targets. This is regulated in MEPC.282(70)

UK-MRV
Since  2022, all vessels that are subjected to EU-MRV have to collect data and report emissions per UK-MRV also, for their port calls in the United Kingdom. This is laid down in regulation MIN 669 (M+F) which is likely to be amended in the future.  Verifiers must be UKAS-accredited.

EU-ETS and EUA’s
From 1 January 2024 onwards the EU taxes Emissions from ships through its “cap-and-trade” European Trading System (EU-ETS). Directive (EU) 2023/959 requires vessel owners (or their mandated ISM Company) to purchase and surrender EU Allowances (EUA’s) matching their Emissions that are beyond their yearly allowance.

FuelEU Maritime
As of 2025, the EU is expected to launch its “book-and-claim” FuelEU Maritime Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 which promotes the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships – from fuel production wells to ships’ wakes. Fleets of ships should actively lower their GHG intensity of fuels, by 2% in 2025 to 80% in 2050 or pay steep penalties otherwise.