Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI-2021

The International Maritime Organization adopted at seventy sixth session of the MEPC, key mandatory requirements to reduce the carbon intensity of shipping introducing the Energy Efficiency Ship Index (EEXI) and operational Carbon Intensity reduction, which came into force on 1 November 2022.

 

Amendments to mandatory instruments

MEPC 76 adopted amendments to mandatory instruments as follows:

• Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to implement EEXI and CII regulations to achieve short term measures for reduction of GHG by 2030. Refer to Resolution MEPC.328(76), entered into force 1 November 2022.
• Control of harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships
• Heavy fuel oil in Arctic waters
• Application of MARPOL Annex I, IV and VI for UNSP barges

 

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction measures

Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, adopted at MEPC 72, specifies short-term target by 2030 and mid/long-term target by 2050.  At MEPC 76, amendments to MARPOL Annex VI were adopted to implement Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), as a technical approach, and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), as an operational approach, for the improvement of transportation efficiency to achieve the short-term target.

 

Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)

• EEXI is regulations for existing ships to require the same level of energy efficiency as new ships and applied to all ships* of 400 GT and above engaged in international voyage.
• Verification for EEXI shall take place at the first annual, intermediate or renewal survey of IAPP Certificate on or after 2023.
• Attained EEXI for each existing ship should be calculated using the similar formula to EEDI, and is required to satisfy a required EEXI, which is calculated based on EEDI reference lines for each category of ships by multiplying reduction factor stipulated by ship size.
• If the attained EEXI value cannot satisfy the required EEXI, the ship should implement a measurement to improve energy efficiency, such as shaft/engine power limitation, to satisfy the required EEXI.
• For ships already applied EEDI requirements and, if the attained EEDI value also complies with the required EEXI, the attained EEDI value as indicated in IEE Certificate or EEDI technical file can be used as an alternative to the attained EEXI.

 

*) Bulk carrier, Gas carrier (LPG carrier), Tanker, Containership, General cargo ship, refrigerated cargo carrier, Combination carrier, Ro-ro cargo ships (Vehicle carrier), Ro-ro cargo ship, Ro-ro passenger ship, LNG carrier and non-conventional propelled Cruise passenger ship (Except ships which have non-conventional propulsion such as diesel electric, turbine or hybrid propulsion system, but in this context, except LNG carrier and cruise passenger ship).

 

Operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

• Operational Carbon Intensity Indicator is rating mechanism for ships based on the operational fuel consumption data.
• Each ship**) of 5,000 GT and above engaged in international voyage should calculate attained CII every year, based on the data of annual fuel consumption and annual distance travelled, which are collected under the Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships (DCS).
• By the end of 2022, each ship should indicate on SEEMP Part III, the calculation method of annual CII from 2023 calendar year and reporting procedure of CII.
• Required CII is calculated using CII reference lines for each category of ships by multiplying reduction factor.
• Comparing the attained CII with the required CII, ships are rated as A to E, based on the gap between the attained CII and the required CII.
• If a ship is rated as D for three consecutive years or rated as E, the ship should develop a plan of corrective actions, such as speed reduction or optimal routing etc.

**) Bulk carrier, Gas carrier (LPG carrier), Tanker, Containership, General cargo ship, Refrigerated cargo carrier, Combination carrier, Ro-ro cargo ships (Vehicle carrier), Ro-ro cargo ship, Ro-ro passenger ship, LNG carrier and Cruise passenger ship.

 

PMDS Head Office have developed different services for the proper implementation of the MARPOL Annex VI amendments.