COP30: SGS Hosts Successful “Charting a Net-Zero Course” Roundtable

We are proud to participate in the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) to showcase our full range of services which help organizations become more sustainable.

Over 25 maritime industry leaders enjoyed diving into our “Charting a Net-Zero Course: Leveraging Meteo-Oceanographic Intelligence for Low-Carbon Navigation” roundtable at COP30.

Our experts and guests explored how meteorological-oceanographic (met-ocean) data, scenario modeling and real-time forecasting can reduce waiting times, fuel consumption and emissions while enhancing port and offshore operational safety and efficiency.

“We were delighted to discuss how we transform data into information that adds value to operations. We use AI-powered technology for forecasting, leveraging our extensive database, which allows us to make better projections for the future,” said Gabriel Paschoal, Partner and Commercial Director at HidroMares by SGS.

The overall objective

The maritime industry is essential to international trade, but it accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

While alternative fuels are often discussed, a critical and immediate opportunity lies in leveraging environmental intelligence to optimize operations.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce annual GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008.

The maritime industry is starting to steer toward low-carbon maritime innovation, exploring biofuels, green hydrogen and other renewable solutions. However, data gaps and verification challenges persist.

The role of meteo-oceanographic data

HidroMares by SGS representatives outlined how they provide real-time and forecast data on waves, currents, tides and weather to optimize maritime operations. These AI-driven models allow operators to reduce fuel use by optimizing speed, routing and docking schedules. Accurate forecasting leads to lower emissions, improved safety and cost savings.

“HidroMares only became part of the SGS team in April. It’s been quite a powerful journey. We’ve found many opportunities, which we were thrilled to share during the roundtable,” said Júlio Natalense, Business Development Manager for Sustainability at SGS in Latin America.

Case study-led discussions

“A ship is like a small thermoelectric plant. Even when stationary – it’s emitting," said Mr Paschoal.

VALE discussed utilizing HidroMares’s SISMO® solution alongside DeepBlue forecasting. SISMO enables simultaneous maneuvers, reducing waiting time by up to eight hours per vessel, where fuel consumption can reach 10 tons per day. DeepBlue expands tidal windows, minimizing pier waiting times and enhancing operational efficiency.

“The simultaneous maneuver solves one problem, optimizing maneuvers within the scheduled time slots, but it doesn’t completely solve the terminal’s efficiency issue. To address that, we carried out an extensive correlation with oceanographic data,” added Bruno Martinelli, Master Oceanographer at VALE.

Key takeaways

After hearty debates and much resolution, the key takeaways were:

1. Decarbonization in shipping depends on reliable data, verified GHG accounting and scalable alternative fuels
2. Emissions reduction is achievable through operational intelligence, in addition to alternative fuels
3. Collaboration between ports, operators and data providers is essential for scaling impact
4. We offer end-to-end solutions for alternative fuels, including testing and certification
5. HidroMares provides precision forecasting and AI-driven models that optimize marine operations
6. Together, these capabilities can unlock innovation and sustainability

Why choose SGS?

Combining decades of experience in the maritime industry with over 30 years of sustainability leadership, our specialist services include environmental monitoring, advanced modeling and data delivery to ports and operators, enabling smarter decisions that directly impact sustainability goals.

Discover our suite of maritime services, part of our comprehensive IMPACT NOW for sustainability portfolio.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).