MEPC 82: UAE and IPTA propose new CII metric to address all fuel losses

The UAE and the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) have proposed a new formula for CII calculation that adds an assumed value for equivalent transport work into the denominator.

PHOTO: CII formula current vs proposed. ENGINE, DNV, IMO Docs

The assumed value for equivalent transport work will adjust for fuel losses due to factors beyond the ship’s control by estimating how far the ship could have travelled with that extra fuel under ideal conditions, according to the proposal.

This proposed “EQ-CII” metric will help to address limitations in the current carbon intensity indicator (CII) metric, the UAE and IPTA argue.

The existing CII formula overlooks fuel used for non-propulsive activities, such as powering onboard systems while docked. It fails to account for increased fuel consumption due to adverse weather or hull fouling, which impacts fuel efficiency and also does not adjust for variations in the ship's capacity during ballast and partial laden voyages, according to the proposal.

The IMO’s carbon intensity indicator (CII) metric measures how efficiently a ship transports goods or passengers. The CII is expressed in grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per metric ton of cargo per nautical mile. Ships are rated annually from A to E, with A being the highest. The rating criteria will become stricter by 2030.

The EQ-CII is designed to measure a ship's carbon intensity by incorporating a correction factor and accounting for various fuel types and operational conditions. It is calculated by dividing the total fuel by the ship’s deadweight or gross tonnage capacity and the adjusted mileage.

The total fuel includes both fuel used for propulsion during laden and non-laden conditions, as well as fuel used during non-propulsive activities. The adjusted mileage includes both actual and equivalent distances, as specified in the proposal.

The formula will consider the distance a ship would have travelled using the fuel spent on non-propulsive activities, fuel used when the ship is not fully loaded and extra fuel consumed due to adverse weather, the proposal adds.

This proposal could be discussed at the IMO’s 82nd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) meeting next month.

By Konica Bhatt

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online