Reduce Carbon Intensity Index by 5% Compared to 2019 by 2023
34.2% of 684 Korean-Flagged Ships Rated Energy Efficiency D or E
The strengthening of greenhouse gas regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has brought the energy efficiency management of national vessels to the forefront. The photo shows a ship powered by solar panels. (Photo by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] It has been revealed that one out of every three Korean-flagged vessels has a low level of energy efficiency. This is the result of the government calculating energy efficiency ratings amid the urgent situation caused by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightening regulations on ship greenhouse gas emissions. Due to IMO regulations, Korean shipping companies must reduce the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) on their vessels by 1% annually compared to 2019, totaling a 5% reduction by 2023. The CII is an index created by the IMO last June to apply greenhouse gas emission regulations to existing ships (currently operating international voyage vessels), representing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to transport 1 ton of cargo over 1 nautical mile.
On the 24th, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it plans to calculate the energy efficiency ratings of Korean-flagged vessels and provide the results to Korean shipping companies on the 25th. The IMO set a goal in 2018 to reduce international shipping greenhouse gas emissions to 50% of 2008 levels by 2050. Accordingly, existing ships must calculate their CII annually starting in 2024. Compared to the 2019 CII, ships must reduce it by 1% annually from 2020 to 2023, totaling 5%, and by 2% annually from 2024 to 2026.
Based on the operational data of 684 Korean-flagged vessels from last year, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries calculated the energy efficiency ratings according to the CII standard, dividing them into five grades from A to E. It was found that 234 vessels (34.2%) were rated D or E. This was influenced by the application of the Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which began to be applied to ships built after 2015. A ministry official explained, "75.8% of vessels rated D or E were built after 2015." The EEDI is a value calculated in the ship design process using ship specifications such as engine power and deadweight tonnage, estimating the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to transport 1 ton of cargo over 1 nautical mile. Unlike the CII, which is derived after ship construction, the EEDI is a pre-calculated value during the design phase.
Shipowners must have their reduction rates verified annually by ship inspection agencies such as the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority and the Korean Register. They must take measures such as engine power restrictions, optimal route navigation, and the use of low-carbon fuels. Ships that receive a D rating for three consecutive years or an E rating for more than one year must prepare and submit an Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and can only operate after receiving approval from the inspection agency.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to distribute the calculation program free of charge to shipping companies through inspection agencies and hold an online briefing session next month. Additionally, since 2018, subsidies have been provided for replacing aging Korean-flagged vessels with eco-friendly, high-efficiency ships. Research and development (R&D) is also underway to secure zero-carbon ship technologies such as hydrogen and ammonia and to develop greenhouse gas capture devices.
Myung Noheon, Director of the Maritime Safety Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "The Ministry will closely cooperate with inspection agencies and research institutions to support the shipping industry in thoroughly responding to greenhouse gas regulations," adding, "We will actively promote technology development to turn regulatory strengthening into an opportunity to lead the eco-friendly ship market."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
