Stock Photo: InfinitumProdux/Shutterstock
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has submitted proposals to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) urging a review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) system. The call comes ahead of the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), scheduled for September 30 to October 4 at the IMO Headquarters in London.
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is an IMO instrument to measure and improve ships’ operational carbon efficiency. It rates ships from A (best) to E (worst) based on annual reduction factors. Poor-rated ships may need corrective actions like hull cleaning or speed optimization. Ships can also use low-carbon fuels to improve ratings. Incentives are encouraged for high-performing ships.
INTERCARGO’s proposal is based on extensive studies analyzing data from over 5,600 bulk carriers. The studies revealed several key issues with the current CII system, including the negative impact of idle time on ratings, particularly for smaller vessels, and potential perverse incentives that could lead to increased emissions.
EEXI and CII: Everything You Need to Know About Shipping’s New Carbon Measurement and Rating System
Dimitris Monioudis, Vice-Chair of INTERCARGO’s Technical Committee, emphasized the thoroughness of their analysis: “Our proposals are grounded in a comprehensive examination of verified IMO Data Collection System data from 2022. This wasn’t just a cursory review – it involved meticulous analysis of over 5,600 bulk carriers, conducted in collaboration with three major classification societies: ABS, Bureau Veritas, and DNV”.
INTERCARGO Chairman Dimitris Fafalios highlighted the potential unintended consequences of the current system: “The current CII framework, while well-intentioned, may be leading us down a path which contradicts our ultimate goal of reducing overall emissions. We’re seeing situations where ships might actually increase their total emissions to improve their CII rating”.
To address these issues, INTERCARGO has proposed that the IMO review and adjust the CII to better reflect a vessel’s true energy efficiency and implement a system that further incentivizes overall greenhouse gas emission reduction.
As the shipping industry grapples with the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint, this call for review highlights the complexity of implementing effective environmental regulations. The outcome of the MEPC 82 session could have significant implications for the future of maritime emissions control strategies.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,794 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The United States Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting four entities and three vessels involved in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical trade, part of ongoing efforts to curtail...
In a significant development for European energy markets, Russian energy giant Gazprom has completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) delivery to Italy from its Baltic Sea-based LNG Portovaya facility....
Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen on Thursday and threatened more attacks against the Iran-aligned militant group, which has launched hundreds of missiles at Israel over the past year.
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,794 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
