OceanScore has opened an office in Tokyo to provide regional support for Japanese shipowners and managers dealing with EU emissions regulations, the digital compliance solutions provider announced on 13 January.

The new office, led by Jyouichi Syou as Representative of Japan, aims to assist clients with the commercial processes associated with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime regulations. Syou, who joined OceanScore in December 2025, is supported by Leo Grayson, Head of Commercial — APAC.

According to the company, the office opening follows increased engagement with Japanese shipping companies over the past year. OceanScore's existing Japanese clients include Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, MMS, and Meiji Shipping.

The company said the focus of its Japan operation centers on managing the commercial implications of EU environmental regulations rather than the technical regulatory requirements themselves, which are handled by verifiers.

"EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime apply globally, regardless of a company's trading pattern. The key is not understanding the regulation, but handling the commercial impact," Leo Grayson said. "For Japanese shipowners and managers, local support and reliable systems help reduce compliance risk. Our Japan office enables closer cooperation, faster access to relevant information, and an ongoing exchange of practical experience and best practices."

The company stated that demand has increased in recent months for exposure forecasting, cost allocation between owners and charterers, and structured workflows for both EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.

OceanScore's Tokyo office complements its Singapore operation, which provides support across Asia-Pacific. According to the company, more than 900 vessels in the region use its Compliance Manager platform for managing EU emissions regulations.

"With the expansion into Japan, we are reinforcing our commitment to the region," Jyouichi Syou said. "Japanese shipping is global and systematic. Our task is to support this with transparent, reliable compliance processes that reduce risk and align with established operational standards."

Albrecht Grell, Managing Director of OceanScore, said: "Opening our office in Tokyo is a practical step to support clients locally. We recognize the challenges many Asian owners face in accessing and interpreting EU regulations, and we aim to provide the transparency and foresight needed to manage compliance with confidence."

The company's 2026 strategy includes strengthening its APAC support structure, enhancing exposure forecasting capabilities, and preparing clients for upcoming phases of EU regulation, including FuelEU pooling arrangements.

OceanScore's Compliance Manager and FuelEU Pooling Marketplace are designed to streamline regulatory workflows and integrate with external stakeholders including verifiers, EU Allowance trading platforms, and pooling partners.