The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations to significantly reduce carbon emissions from shipping. The goal is to achieve a 40% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2050, according to Wartsila.
About CII Compliance
CII measures how efficiently vessels above 5,000 GWT transport goods or passengers. It is expressed in grams of CO2 emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile. Vessels must collect and report their fuel consumption and distance traveled to calculate their CII score. Based on this data, ships receive a yearly CII rating from A to E, with A indicating the best emissions performance.
CII requirements are becoming stricter over time, so vessels will need to continuously improve their carbon efficiency to maintain or improve their rating. Vessels rated D for three consecutive years or E in a single year must develop and implement a plan to improve their performance.
This can be a real challenge for merchant vessel operators, with an estimated 45% of the current global fleet at risk of non-compliance. It is also likely that ships with better CII ratings will become more attractive to charterers, potentially allowing you to command higher rates.
Complying With CII
There are various strategies you can implement to reduce emissions and ensure compliance:
- Slow steaming – lower speeds mean lower emissions, but sailing more slowly can make your vessels unattractive to charterers.
- Route optimization – sailing the most direct route is an excellent way to minimize fuel use.
- Regular hull and propeller cleaning – friction between the hull and the water eats up at least 70% of the energy needed to move your vessel through the water. A clean hull and propeller mean less fuel is needed.
- Engine upgrades or retrofits – for example switching to a hybrid system.
- Switching to lower-carbon or alternative fuels – is a brilliant long-term solution, but can be expensive in the short term.
- Energy saving technologies (ESTs) – an easy win for many vessels, giving several more years of profitable operations from a relatively modest initial investment.
Energy Saving Techs
Running your vessel more efficiently will ensure you stay compliant and that your ship stays operational for as long as possible. A more efficient vessel will also save you money. The right ESTs will depend on your vessel and operational profile, but here are some you might be choosing between:
- Air lubrication – this EST creates a carpet of microbubbles on your ship’s hull to reduce frictional resistance. As a bonus, air lubrication also means less hull cleaning.
- GATE RUDDER™ – an innovative energy-saving and maneuvering device formed of two foils on either side of the propeller that delivers beneficial hydrodynamic effects.
- Rotor sails – this clever solution harnesses the wind to provide additional propulsion.
- EnergoProfin – an energy-saving propeller cap with a payback time of less than one year.
- EnergoFlow – an innovative pre-swirl stator that creates optimal inflow for the propeller.
- EnergoPac – an integrated propeller and rudder design that improves propulsion and manoeuvrability.
- EcoControl – a smart control system that combines optimal propeller pitch with optimal engine loading.
- New propeller design – leading to impressive efficiency gains for slow steaming vessels.
- High-performance nozzle – to improve your vessel’s bollard pull performance.
Choosing The Right Tech
Regardless of your vessel type or operating profile, there is an EST that can help you improve performance. Here are some of the potential savings available:
- Air lubrication – 10% potential emission reduction
- GATE RUDDER™ – 20% potential emission reduction
- Rotor sails – 30% potential emission reduction
- EnergoProfin – 2–5% potential propulsion energy saving
- EnergoFlow – 2–7% potential propulsion energy saving
- EnergoPac – 2–9% potential emission reduction
- EcoControl – 1–3% potential fuel consumption reduction
- New propeller design – 15% potential emission reduction
- High-performance nozzle – 5% potential performance increase
Combining the right ESTs can give your vessel many more years of CII compliance with relatively small investments.
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Source: Wartsila
