IMO to enforce energy efficiency design index from 2013
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO has adopted mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gases from international shipping starting from 1 January 2013< SEATRADE ASIA ONLINE REPORTS> All ships of 400 gt and above will need to comply with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which is a performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations. The new EEDI regulation, however, may be waived for new ships of 400 gross tonnages and above. The new measures were adopted last Friday at the conclusion of the 62nd meeting of MEPC from 11-15 July in London. The EEDI requirement forms part of the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI regulations for prevention of air pollution from ships. A new Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), which establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships, is also added.