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DNV: Energy efficiency compliance after alterations or conversions

DNV outlines necessary actions for energy efficiency certification following ship modifications that could affect its EEXI and/or EED under MARPOL Annex VI.

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Classification society DNV on Wednesday (11 December) published a Technical and Regulatory News  highlighting the importance of determining whether alterations to ships will be considered a major conversion under MARPOL Annex VI: 

The EEXI requirement came into effect on 1 January 2023, and all affected ships should now comply. To maintain compliance, any ship undergoing changes that affect its EEXI and/or EEDI may need to recalculate these. This statutory news outlines impacts on and necessary actions for energy efficiency certification following ship modifications.

What is a “major conversion”?

Under MARPOL Annex VI (Regulation 5.4), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and, if relevant, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), must be recalculated and surveyed on board in the event of a major conversion, as defined in Regulation 2.2.17.

A major conversion includes:

  • Any substantial change in hull dimensions or capacity, except a decrease of assigned freeboard if no other alterations to the ship structure are made.
  • Any substantial increase in total engine power for propulsion (5% or more).
  • A change of the MARPOL ship type as noted on the International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC).
  • A conversion intended to substantially prolong the life of the ship.
  • Significant modifications that would require the ship to meet new requirements as if it were newly built.
  • Any substantial alterations impacting energy efficiency, such as modifications that could cause the ship to exceed the applicable required EEXI or EEDI (if relevant).

If it is unclear whether a conversion is considered major, the flag administration will have the final say. For typical scenarios that may constitute a major conversion, please see DNV’s overview Re-certification of the EEXI.

EEDI compliance for extensive major conversions

If a major conversion is so extensive that the ship is considered newly constructed, the flag administration may require the ship to meet the EEDI requirements by using the reduction factor corresponding to the contract date of the conversion. In such cases, a ship originally subject only to the EEXI will also need to comply with the EEDI, and a ship already subject to the EEDI may face a more stringent EEDI requirement (a higher EEDI phase). However, most major conversions will not fall into this extensive category.

Approval of EEXI/EEDI Technical File

If the conversion is considered major, the EEXI and, if relevant, the EEDI should be recalculated, and the new Technical File(s) submitted for approval. Any necessary actions to meet the requirements should be included in the project, such as limiting the propulsion power. If installing a new or adjusting an existing overridable power limitation, an approved Onboard Management Manual (OMM) for Shaft Power Limitation (SHaPoLi) or Engine Power Limitation (EPL) will be required.

For ships subject to the EEDI, if the new attained EEDI is equal to or less than the new required EEXI, it can be considered the new attained EEXI. Consequently, the attained EEXI will be verified using the EEDI Technical File, eliminating the need for a separate EEXI Technical File.

Approval is managed through DNV’s digital EEXI self-service tool on the Veracity platform. This tool can be accessed via the “Vessel Services” tab under “Fleet Status”. A detailed guideline on how to use the tool is also available on the same page. The only exception is for MARPOL ship type changes, which are currently not supported by the tool.

Survey and certification after ship alteration

Upon completing the alteration, a survey shall be conducted to confirm the new EEXI and, if relevant, the EEDI. This survey will also verify any measures installed due to the new calculations, such as power limitations. Once the survey is completed, a new IEEC will be issued to reflect the updates.

The validity of the IEEC will be verified during annual statutory surveys. Additionally, the PSC guidelines include checks to determine if the ship has undergone a major conversion or if there have been changes affecting aspects covered by the EEXI or EEDI Technical Files.

EEXI/EEDI calculations for non-major conversions

Conversions that have an impact on energy efficiency, but which are not considered major conversions, will not require re-approval of the EEXI/EEDI Technical File(s) or a new IEEC. However, re-approving the Technical File(s) and issuing a new IEEC should be considered to reflect, for example, an improved energy efficiency index, especially in cases where SHaPoLi/EPL installations may be removed, or the power limitation is reduced.

SEEMP/CII for ship alterations

When making alterations, it is important to consider their impact on the SEEMP III and the CII calculation as well. An alteration may affect the SEEMP III, which outlines the future attained and target CII as well as future measures in the three-year implementation plan. Key parameters used in the CII equation – such as MARPOL ship type, deadweight and gross tonnage – are particularly important. Therefore, the DCS verifier should be informed in order to make the necessary updates and correctly verify the CII to assign an appropriate rating.

When DNV serves as both the class and DCS verifier, essential data for the CII calculation will be automatically captured upon updating the IEEC. For ships not classed by DNV but where DNV acts as the DCS verifier, a copy of the new IEEC, along with the new load line certificate if there is a change in deadweight, should be submitted via DATE.

Recommendations

When planning any alterations, it is essential to determine early on whether the changes will be considered a major conversion under MARPOL Annex VI. Assess the potential impact of the alterations and ensure that the ship remains compliant upon completion of the alteration.

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 12 December, 2024

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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