Greenhouse gas emissions reduction

IMO has adopted amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL which requires new ships to meet an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these ships. These requirements are to be met during the construction of the ship. IMO has also adopted guidelines on the method of calculation of the EEDI for new ships. INTERTANKO played an active role in the development of these requirements and guidelines to ensure new tankers were treated equally to other ship types. INTERTANKO provides advice and guidance to Members to assist them in EEDI compliance so they can ensure that shipyards deliver more efficiently operated new tankers, resulting in a reduction of fuel consumption. IMO is currently revisiting the schedule for the enforcement of Phase 3 limits of the EEDI requirement and the possible introduction of Phase 4 level limits.

INTERTANKO is involved in these developments and advises IMO on the significant challenges large tankers/VLCCs will have to meet the required EEDI Phase 3 level.

IMO has adopted an Initial Strategy for GHG emissions reduction from shipping and set specific targets to operational efficiency of ships. As a result, IMO has established a three-step approach policy which comprises:

1. Data Collection from ships (fuel consumption at sea/in port, distance travelled, time at sea/in port);
2. data assessment and analysis and;
3. additional measures and enforcement vehicles. In answer from pressures to make a commitment and adopt concrete planning for such additional measures (practically these seem to be measures on ships during operations), IMO has adopted a Roadmap according to which a final decision will be taken in 2023 with enforcement in 2025. INTERTANKO will be actively involved to protect Members’ interests.