IMO has agreed to include the cubic capacity correction factor
A reprieve for chemical tanker operators came with the news that the IMO’s MEPC has agreed to include the cubic capacity correction factor proposed by IPTA in the EEDI formula.
IPTA general manager Janet Strode said that this was an important inclusion within the EEDI that would allow low density cargoes, such as methanol and MTBE, to continue to be loaded as close to deadweight as possible.
The MEPC said; “The (working) group agreed to integrate the correction factor into the EEDI calculation guidelines, and doing so would enhance credibility and confidence in the EEDI formula. However, the group considered that the correction factor presented in document MEPC 62/6/13 would require fine tuning.”
This fine tuning is due to take place at an intersessional working group meeting due to be held next January, 2012.
Addressing propulsion and manoeuvrability in bad weather, the working group said; “The group noted that the guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power and speed to enable safe manoeuvring in adverse weather conditions should be developed in a relatively short time, since the guidelines are referred to in the regulatory framework of the EEDI as being voluntary.”
The committee summed up by saying; “Having considered the report of the working group, the committee approved it in general and, in particular –
1) Invited interested delegations to provide practical information and examples of the energy efficient operation of ships to the Secretariat by 31st August 2011 for inclusion in the IMO Model Course.
2) Endorsed the agreement of the Group that cubic capacity correction factor for chemical tankers should be included in the guidelines on EEDI calculation.
3) Endorsed the work plan and schedule for further development of technical and operational measures for ships.
4) Agreed to the holding of an intersessional meeting of the working group on Energy Efficiency Measures for Ships within set terms of reference.”
Source: Tanker Operator
