By
Rebecca Gibson |
A study produced for IMO by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Lloyd’s Register and launched on 14 November says mandatory energy efficiency measures adopted by IMO in July will have a significant impact in reducing CO2 emissions over the coming years.
The study, Assessment of IMO mandated energy efficiency measures for international shipping, predicts that by 2020, reductions in CO2 emissions of 151.5 million tonnes on average will result from the measures, rising to an average of 330 million tonnes annually by 2030. Viewed in percentage terms, emissions will be 23 per cent lower in 2030 and 39 per cent lower in 2050.
In an unprecedented move, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted the amendments to resolution MARPOL Annex VI in a majority vote when the organisation’s customary consensus model of decision-making could not produce a result. The technical and operational measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping are part of the first-ever mandatory energy efficiency measures for an international transport sector.
Two types of measures, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), which will apply initially to vessels of 400 gross tonnage and above, will enter into force in January 2013. Certain classes of vessels may apply to have their obligations waived in the initial years. Potential market based measures are still under discussion as the third aspect of emissions reduction.
Initially, the measures agreed upon cover commercial shipping, but EEDI formulas are being considered for ship types not yet covered, which include passenger ships. Tore Longva, senior consultant, international affairs at DNV and a co-author of the study, told International Cruise & Ferry Review: “The cruise industry is already working to reduce CO2 emissions, in particular through proposals being developed by the Cruise Lines International Association.” He added that, as cruise ship owners experience the benefits of reduced emissions directly in terms of lower fuel costs, the industry was expected to be motivated to comply with the regulations going forward.
The decision to adopt MARPOL Annex VI was taken by a strong majority of members (more than 79 per cent), with only five nations opposing (Brazil, Chile, China, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia). A new treaty based on the measures could be in place by 2014 or 2015, said Eivind Vagslid, technical officer. sub-division for pollution prevention, marine environment division of IMO. “The regulations have been on the table for quite some time but the political will is needed for them to be implemented,” he said.
IMO will report on the amendments to Annex VI at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which runs from 28 November to 9 December 2011 in Durban, South Africa.