Given the rising concerns about the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) system adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), INTERTANKO has been investigating the specific challenges faced by tankers, particularly smaller LNG and fuel oil refueling carriers, calling IMO to focus on CII application for tankers.
In that regard, INTERTANKO’s latest submissions to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82, 30 September-04 October 2024) draw on data gathered from its Members and highlight a critical issue: the current CII framework unfairly penalises small LNG and fuel oil carriers, many of which are primarily engaged in bunkering operations rather than traditional transport work. These vessels are often operating on short voyages between neighbouring ports, leading to persistent low CII ratings that do not reflect the true energy efficiency or environmental impact of their operations.
This initiative is part of a larger industry effort to refine the CII rating system so it accurately reflects the environmental performance of ships and does not promote actions that would hinder the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
On July 10th, a joint policy statement from leading owners’ associations BIMCO, CLIA, INTERCARGO, INTERMANAGER, ICS, and INTERTANKO highlighted the necessity for a customized approach.
To achieve the IMO’s intent, the CII scheme must reflect the true efficiency rating of each ship. A one-size-fits-all instrument, as the CII is currently designed, it has inherent flaws that work against its intended purpose of supporting our collective objective of reducing GHG emissions across the maritime industry.
The statement calls on the IMO “to amend the current CII system to avoid unintended consequences that are contradictory to reducing overall GHG emissions.”
”As the shipping industry continues to move towards increased transparency, it is imperative that the regulatory frameworks like the CII accurately represent the diverse activities within our sector,” stated Tim Wilkins of INTERTANKO.
We urge the IMO and relevant stakeholders to consider our findings and recommendations to ensure that the CII ratings genuinely contribute to reducing our carbon footprint without penalizing specific sectors unfairly.
…Tim Wilkins added.
It is worth mentioning that the IMO has already received 78 proposals submitted by every sector of shipping, also calling for amendment to the CII. As explained, industry Associations are looking forward to the commencement of the CII review process at the MEPC in September 2024 and continuing through December 2025. Revisions to the current CII methodology and formula will provide a better indicator of a ship’s actual efficiency.
Read the submissions here
CII CALCULATIONS (G5) TO SMALL LNG CARRIERS
CII CALCULATIONS (G5) TO OIL TANKERS ENGAGED IN FUEL OIL SUPPLY TO OTHER SHIPS
