Environment

ICS welcomes legally binding IMO measures to reduce GHG in existing global fleet

The A-E rating system included will incentivise shipowners to improve carbon efficiency and charterers are more likely to pay a premium for highly rated ships, it said.

Published

6 years ago

October 26, 2020

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The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) on Friday (23 October) said it welcomed the comprehensive package of additional CO2 reduction measures for the existing global fleet, agreed on 23 October by an overwhelming number of governments from across the world after an intensive week-long virtual meeting at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The agreement includes legally binding measures to ensure a 40% reduction of carbon intensity across the global fleet by 2030, compared to 2008, and is a key stepping stone in achieving 100% decarbonisation as soon as possible after 2050, explained ICS.

ICS said it is confident this new package of technical and operational regulations will be formally agreed by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in November 2020, for entry into force in 2023.

Importantly, the IMO agreement includes a mandatory A-E rating system that will greatly incentivise shipowners to improve their carbon efficiency – ships’ charterers being far more likely to offer business and pay a premium for highly rated ships, while ships with a D or E rating will face serious negative consequences unless they improve their performance.

The IMO agreement follows publication, in August 2020, of the 4th GHG study which shows that carbon intensity of international shipping improved by about 30% between 2008 and 2018.

Total GHG emissions from shipping in 2018 dropped by 7% compared to 2008, despite a 40% growth in maritime trade over the same period

The new agreement demonstrates the ability of IMO, as the industry’s global regulator, to achieve binding targets to reduce ship emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, said the ICS.

The shipping industry is a global industry requiring global rules, any alternative would produce a chaotic patchwork of conflicting regional and national CO2 reduction regimes, which would derail continuing negotiations to eliminate the sector’s global emissions via a global regulatory framework.

Speaking after the conclusion of the IMO meeting, ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, said:

“This agreement made by governments demonstrates to the world that the shipping industry is firmly on track to meet the ambitious IMO CO2 reduction targets and ultimately being a zero emissions sector.

“The willingness of governments to cooperate and achieve consensus in the very difficult circumstances of a virtual meeting is to be applauded, and we are pleased that the proposals supported by ICS, in co-operation with a wide range of governments on all sides of the debate, forms a central part of the agreement.

“Industry needs certainty, and this agreement provides a clear signal about the investments we need to make to further reduce our emissions, and ultimately becoming a zero emissions sector.

“ICS is fully committed to a zero-carbon future. While today’s important agreement is about helping ensure that the existing fleet meets the 2030 target, ICS is also committed to 100% decarbonisation as soon as possible after 2050. This is why ICS, in co-operation with other shipowner associations, has submitted a detailed proposal to IMO for a USD 5 bn Fund, to be financed by the industry, to accelerate the research development of zero-carbon technologies, and why decarbonisation will continue to be a key focus of ICS regardless of the disruption caused by COVID-19.”

The new IMO agreement provides a global regulatory framework for a suite of technical and operational CO2 reduction measures supported by a system of global enforcement via amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention:

The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), a goal-based technical measure similar to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) which has been mandatory for new ships since 2013.
The ‘Super SEEMP’ concept, originally proposed by ICS in 2019, whereby use of the already mandatory Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan will be subject to rigorous external audit and statutory certification. Similar to the philosophy of the International Code for the Safe Management of Ships and Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) – which has been mandatory throughout the industry for the past 20 years – ships will be required to demonstrate that everything possible has been done, as set out in the SEEMP, to improve operational fuel efficiency.
Agreement to develop Carbon Intensity Indicators (CIIs) for the different types and sizes of ship, as a complement to the EEXI and the ‘Super SEEMP’, using an A-E rating system of operational efficiency that will be applied to existing ships from 2023.

Photo credit: kobu-agency
Published: 26 October, 2020

Alternative Fuels

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

Bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

Published

4 days ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

South Korean shipowner Polaris Shipping recently said it has signed a newbuilding contract for four tri-fuel vessels with Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry on 4 August.

The 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

The vessels are also designed as LNG- and ammonia-ready ships, allowing them to be converted to LNG or ammonia propulsion in the future.

Polaris Shipping also plans to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying various energy-saving technologies, including wind-assist propulsion systems, rotor sails, departure optimisation and land-based systems, to the vessels.

Polaris Shipping has completed a 25-year long-term charter contract for the bulk carriers with Brazilian iron ore producer Vale.

Polaris Shipping plans to sign construction contracts for up to four additional 210,000-dwt eco-friendly Newcastlemax bulk carriers with Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Heavy Industries in the near future. The Newcastlemax bulk carriers ordered from Hengli will be built as high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels to replace the company’s existing older bulk carriers.

Photo credit: Polaris Shipping
Published: 13 August, 2026

Biofuel

MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

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MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Singapore’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) on Wednesday (5 August) said the findings of its latest study indicate that existing large harbour craft in Singapore are ready for the adoption of B100 biodiesel, provided appropriate fuel handling, storage and additive practices are in place.

The findings were published in MESD’s public report, Study on the Readiness of Existing Large Harbour Craft for B100 Biodiesel in Singapore.

“Overall, the results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented,” MESD said in a social media post.

“This represents an important step towards supporting the wider adoption of sustainable marine fuels and advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation journey.”

The study evaluated fuel storage stability, engine performance, emissions and operational readiness through controlled laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

MESD said the findings are highly encouraging, which include:

Stable engine performance was maintained throughout the 200-hour sea trials, with no significant power loss, abnormal fuel-consumption trends or critical operational disruptions.
Antioxidant additives improved oxidation stability and helped reduce the risk of fuel degradation during storage.
B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to diesel, while producing lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions, with a modest increase in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Led by the MESD, the study was conducted in collaboration with KST Maritime Pte Ltd, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) also contributed to the study.

MESD added that further research on long-term engine endurance, fuel stability and material compatibility is ongoing under its FAME 1000 project, with a related public report expected to be released later this year.

Note: The report can be accessed here.

Photo credit: Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence
Published: 7 August, 2026

Biofuel

SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder says it has secured a contract from Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs, which are up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

Admin

SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) on Thursday (6 August) said it has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels’ capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation. Deliveries for the order are scheduled to commence in early 2028.

The contract follows an extensive competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high specification vessels will be constructed to the Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations.

Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels. Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena IN (retd.), CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), said: “It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world’s most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer’s rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment.”

Mr. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer, said: “Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.”

Photo credit: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries
Published: 7 August, 2026