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Tackling climate change
Tackling climate change Short term carbon intensity measures set for adoption
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76) in June 2021 is expected to adopt important short-term measures to cut the carbon intensity of all ships, as approved at MEPC 75, which met in November 2020.
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This builds on current mandatory energy efficiency requirements to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. MEPC 75 also agreed the terms of reference for assessing the possible impacts on States, paying particular attention to the needs of developing countries, in particular Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
The draft amendments to the MARPOL convention would require ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008.
Draft MARPOL amendments
The draft amendments would add further requirements to the energy efficiency measures in MARPOL Annex VI chapter 4. Current requirements are based on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new build ships, which means they have to be built and designed to be more energy efficient than the baseline; and the mandatory Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), for all ships. The SEEMP provides for ship operators to have in place a plan to improve energy efficiency through a variety of ship specific measures.
The draft amendments build on these measures by bringing in requirements to assess and measure the energy efficiency of all ships and set the required attainment values. The goal is to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping, working towards the levels of ambition set out in the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships.
The set of amendments includes: the technical requirement to reduce carbon intensity, based on a new Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI); and the operational carbon intensity reduction requirements, based on a new operational carbon intensity indicator (CII).
The dual approach aims to address both technical (how the ship is retrofitted and equipped) and operational measures (how the ship operates).
The attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is required to be calculated for ships of 400 gt and above, in accordance with the different values set for ship types and size categories. This indicates the energy efficiency of the ship compared to a baseline.
The draft amendments are for ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above (the ships already subject to the requirement for data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships) to have determined their required annual operational carbon intensity indicator (CII). The CII determines the annual reduction factor needed to ensure continuous improvement of the ship’s operational carbon intensity within a specific rating level.
The actual annual operational CII achieved (attained annual operational CII) would be required to be documented and verified against the required annual operational CII. This would enable the operational carbon intensity rating to be determined.
The rating would be given on a scale - operational carbon intensity rating A, B, C, D or E - indicating a major superior, minor superior, moderate, minor inferior, or inferior performance level. The performance level would be recorded in the ship’s Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
A ship rated D for three consecutive years, or E, would have to submit a corrective action plan, to show how the required index (C or above) would be achieved.
Administrations, port authorities and other stakeholders as appropriate, are encouraged to provide incentives to ships rated as A or B.
Review mechanism
The draft amendments would require the IMO to review the effectiveness of the implementation of the CII and EEXI requirements, by 1 January 2026 at the latest, and, if necessary, develop and adopt further amendments
Impact assessment
The comprehensive impact assessment of the short-term combined measure has been submitted to MEPC 76. Based on this, a possible framework for reviewing impacts on States of the measure adopted, and addressing disproportionately negative impacts on States, as appropriate, would be considered.
Initial IMO GHG Strategy
The initial IMO GHG Strategy, adopted in 2018, sets ambitious targets to halve GHG emission from ships by 2050, compared to 2008, and reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030 compared to 2008. The strategy has a vision to ultimately phase out GHG emissions as soon as possible in this century. The strategy lists a number of candidate measures which could be considered to further reduce emissions and help achieve the targets in the strategy. Short-term measures could be measures finalized and agreed by the Committee between 2018 and 2023, although in aiming for early action, priority should be given to develop potential early measures with a view to achieving further reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping before 2023.
Fourth IMO GHG Study published
The Fourth IMO GHG Study estimates that total shipping emitted 1,056 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, accounting for about 2.89% of the total global anthropogenic CO2 emissions for that year. Under a new voyage-based allocation method, the share of international shipping represented 740 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018. According to a range of plausible long-term economic and energy business-as-usual scenarios, shipping emissions could represent 90-130% of 2008 emissions by 2050. For the first time, the study includes estimates of carbon intensity. Overall carbon intensity has improved between 2012 and 2018 for international shipping as a whole, as well as for most ship types. The overall carbon intensity, as an average across international shipping, was between 21 and 29% better than in 2008.
Technological innovation and the global introduction of alternative fuels and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieving the ambition set out in the IMO Initial GHG Strategy. To take stock of ongoing initiatives, the 2021 IMO Symposium on alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels for shipping was held virtually (9-10 February).
The symposium presented state-of-the art research and innovation, discussed the advancement of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels in international shipping, and looked at initiatives to promote the availability, affordability and uptake of future marine fuels.
Developing countries explore maritime alternative fuel opportunities
A new workshop package on “Alternative fuels and energy carriers for maritime shipping” has been launched. Georgia, India and South Africa were the first to benefit from the package, during an online workshop (13-16 April) delivered under the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 project, with China taking part in a second workshop at the end of April.
The workshops consider key concepts related to alternative fuels and provide detailed information on individual fuels which are commercially available; in demonstration phase; and under development.
Informal discussions focus on lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity of cleaner fuels for shipping
IMO facilitated virtual informal discussion sessions (14-15 April) on lifecycle GHG/ carbon intensity for potential future fuels for shipping. IMO Member States and organizations in consultative status with IMO exchanged views and shared updated information on how to assess and potentially regulate the lifecycle of carbon emissions.
A candidate measure in the IMO Initial GHG Strategy refers to developing "robust lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity guidelines for all types of fuels, in order to prepare for an implementation programme for effective uptake of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels".
The lifecycle refers to the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel production to the ship (Well-to-Wake); from primary production to carriage of the fuel in a ship's tank (Well-to-Tank, also known as upstream emissions) and from the ship's fuel tank to the exhaust (Tank-toPropeller or Tank-to-Wake, also known as downstream emissions).
Candidate future low-carbon and zerocarbon fuels for shipping have diverse production pathways (for example, different generations of biofuels, hydrogen-based fuels, etc.) entailing significant differences in their overall environmental footprint.
Ship-Port Interface Guide released
A new Ship-Port Interface Guide focusing on practical measures which can support GHG emission reduction at the ship-port interface has been released.
The eight measures presented are: facilitate immobilization in ports; facilitate hull and propeller cleaning in ports; facilitate simultaneous operations (simops) in ports; optimize port stay by pre-clearance; improve planning of ships calling at multiple berths in one port; improve ship/berth compatibility through improved Port Master Data; enable ship deadweight optimization through improved Port Master Data; and optimize speed between ports.
The Guide was developed by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) under the IMONorway GreenVoyage2050 Project.
Solutions to cut shipping emissions at virtual conferences and exhibitions
Exploring tangible solutions in climate change mitigation in the shipping industry by use of technology was at the core of virtual energy efficiency conferences and exhibitions (ConfEx), organized by the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa (MTCC-Africa) and by MTCC Caribbean, in March 2021. The MTCCs are part of the Global MTCC Network (GMN) project executed by IMO and funded by the European Union.
Tackling climate change GreenVoyage2050: States accelerate action to decarbonize shipping
Eleven States from across the globe are partnering in the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project, which is supporting the path to decarbonization in the shipping sector, in line with the Initial GHG Strategy.
The GreenVoyage2050 Project is actively supporting States in progressing in this decarbonization path. The project will also build capacity in developing countries, including small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), to fulfil their commitments to meet climatechange and energy-efficiency goals for international shipping. This will be achieved through supporting States in implementing the already-adopted IMO energy-efficiency measures (contained in Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution form Ships (MARPOL)) and to reduce GHG emissions from ships in line with the IMO Initial GHG Strategy.
Through their participation in the project, they will aim to strengthen their MARPOL Annex VI compliance, facilitate sharing of operational best practices, catalyze the uptake of energy efficient technologies and explore opportunities for low- and zerocarbon fuels. New fuels, new technologies and innovation will be needed to meet the IMO GHG Strategy ambitions.
“New Pilot Countries” and “Pioneer Pilot Countries”
Individual States are at different stages in terms of implementation of IMO’s energy efficiency measures and other processes such as baseline assessment.
New Pilot Countries (NPCs) are those that, as a first step, are undertaking the development of a national maritime emissions assessment, establishing a baseline and building the information base. These actions will lay the foundation for the development of a robust and informed National Action Plan (NAP) to address GHG emissions from ships.
New Pilot Countries are: Azerbaijan, Belize, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Kenya, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka.
Pioneer Pilot Countries (PPCs) are those that have already undertaken maritime emissions baseline work and have initiated development of their NAP to address GHG emissions from ships. The GreenVoyage2050 Project is supporting PPCs to finalize their national action plan, identify pilot project opportunities and develop them further with a view to securing funding for their implementation.
Pioneer Pilot Countries are: China, Georgia, India, South Africa.
GreenVoyage2050 Project also has a strong private sector collaboration through the IMO-GreenVoyage2050 Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA), which aims to identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures.
IMO-EU maritime technology cooperation centre Network project extended
A key project to support the reduction of GHG emissions from shipping in developing countries through regional maritime technology cooperation centres has been extended to March 2022. This will allow this strategic project to continue its decarbonisation pilot projects and training and work towards financial sustainability in the longer term.
The Global MTCC Network (GMN) Project is implemented by IMO and funded by the European Union, to improve energy efficiency in the maritime sector, by supporting developing regions in the move towards maritime decarbonization.
Since their establishment in 2017, four Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) - based in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific - have established strong regional networks and are becoming important regional players, with technical expertise in the field of maritime energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The Centres have undertaken a range of pilot projects, completed port energy audits and established branch offices in three countries.
The pilot projects range from data collection to installation of solar power on two ferries in the Pacific. The project has developed an online Training Programme on Maritime Energy Management and the Implementation of MARPOL Annex VI (MTCC Caribbean). MTCC Asia developed an E-learning Course on energy efficiency.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MTCCs have developed alternative plans and ensured continued engagement with stakeholders, including 10 events held during 2020; and in 2021, regional maritime technology conferences and exhibitions for the Caribbean and Africa; an MTCC-Africa sulphur limit implementation workshop organised in collaboration with the World Maritime University (WMU) and Danish Maritime; and a regional ship technology conference organised by MTCC-Asia.
NextGEN holds first meeting to push maritime decarbonization
The NextGEN project, which aims to bring together decarbonization initiatives in the maritime sector, has held its first meeting. It brought together multiple stakeholders from across the global shipping community and the maritime value chain who have an interest in cutting greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and tackling climate change.
NextGEN - where GEN stands for "green and efficient navigation" – is led by IMO and the Government of Singapore. It aims to facilitate information sharing on various decarbonization initiatives in the global shipping community and across the maritime value chain, to identify opportunities for collaboration and gaps.
During the NextGEN meeting (23 April), some 70 participants discussed ways to ensure that no one is left behind in the maritime decarbonization process and brainstormed actions needed to facilitate collaboration across the maritime and energy supply chain. Participants were also informed of plans to launch a NextGEN portal in the second half of 2021, to aid discussions and share ideas, facilitating coordination between complementary initiatives.
The IMO-Singapore NextGEN aims to build partnerships between stakeholders in the public and private sectors, not only in the shipping industry and ports but also private and development banks, and academia. Among the participants in the first NextGEN meeting were leaders from the regional Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs).
The NextGEN meeting was held during the Future of Shipping Conference (23 April), jointly organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and IMO to address both decarbonization and digitalization in the maritime sector.
IMO-Germany project to cut maritime transport emissions in Asia
IMO and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany (BMU) have signed an agreement to undertake the preparatory activities leading to the development of a project proposal to reduce maritime transport emissions in East and Southeast Asian countries. The project is supported through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of BMU. IMO will partner with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) to undertake the preparatory project and to develop the full project proposal.
This agreement, signed on 1 April 2021, is the first step in an ambitious Asia Maritime Transport Emissions project (Blue Solutions Project) that aims to support East and Southeast Asian countries in identifying opportunities to prevent and reduce transport emissions. The full-size project, once approved, will target reduction of GHG and other pollutant emissions from ships within ports, and from hinterland transport through energy efficiency improvements, optimized processes and innovative technologies (blue solutions).
This agreement confirms the allocation of 385,697 Euros in funds to develop a full-size project proposal. This will involve information gathering and project design activities to align the aims of the project with those of regional and national stakeholders. These include planning workshops; conferences; interviews; identification of candidate demonstration projects, partnership discussions and desktop research and assessment. All key stakeholders will be involved, including government partners, the shipping industry, port authorities and operators, technology providers, financial institutions, and local governments.
In addition to undertaking a comprehensive technical, financial and economic analysis of the proposed project, the project proposal will also identify capacity development and knowledge management aspects, as well as assessment of GHG emission baselines. Opportunities for pilot demonstration projects to advocate for the potential of low carbon shipping, ports and hinterland transport will also be identified.
At the preparatory stage, IMO will work with the following focus partner countries to develop the full-size project proposal: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. Efforts may also be undertaken to identify capacity building needs in other Asian countries.
Japan, the Republic of Korea and Singapore are expected to be invited to serve as knowledge partner countries. The full-size Asia Maritime Transport Emissions Project is slated to receive funding of some 15 million Euros.
