More measures against greenhouse gas
On 17 November, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) approved a draft of amendments to annex VI of the Maripol agreement to further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport in the short term.
These new measures, which were discussed at the 75th session of the marine environment protection committee (MEPC 75), aim to achieve the levels of ambition established in the IMO's initial strategy, to reduce the carbon intensity of international maritime transport in 40% by 2030, compared to 2008.
These amendments foresee two new energy efficiency measures for ships. The first one, with a technical approach, incorporates a new energy efficiency index for existing ships (EEXI measured in gr CO2 (t • mile transported) and reduction factors depending on the type of ship. The operation of this new EEXI it would be the same as the energy efficiency index for new ships (EEDI) in force since 2013 for ships of 400 GT or more.
The second measure would have an operational focus, with a new carbon intensity indicator (CII) that would be applied to vessels with a gross tonnage equal to or greater than 5,000 GT. Each ship must calculate its CII annually, based on which it will be rated A, B, C, D and E.
The rating obtained will be included in the ship's energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP). The new measures are expected to be formally adopted at the next session of the committee (MEPC 76), scheduled for June 2021 and enter into force on 1 January 2023. (cd)