Business

DNV Industry Insights: Make sure you meet your EEXI deadline

DNV’s Dr Fabian Kock answers key questions about EEXI approval, which many vessels have to attain by the first periodical survey in 2023 at the latest.

Published

3 years ago

May 19, 2022

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Classification society DNV on Tuesday (17 May) published an article on its Maritime Impact platform featuring an interview with Dr Fabian Kock, Head of Section Environmental Certification at DNV in Germany, who answers key questions about Energy Efficiency eXisting ship Index (EEXI) approval - which many vessels have to attain by the first periodical survey in 2023 at the latest.

The interview discusses risks and challenges ship owners may encounter in obtaining EEXI, which is a measure introduced by the IMO to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of ships.

DNV: How many vessels have attained EEXI certification so far?

FK: Of the more than 5,000 vessels in DNV class which require EEXI certification, only about 100 have fully approved documentation. Bearing in mind that the verification has to be completed by the first periodical survey in 2023, the percentage of approved vessels is surprisingly low. What is also a bit worrying is that only 20% of our clients have made use of DNV’s EEXI support tools. That leaves us with 80% of the fleet not having looked into the EEXI so far!

DNV: How can I see my individual EEXI deadline?

FK: DNV has a compliance planner tool which offers customers a complete list of their vessels and their individual status in connection with the EEXI. All DNV clients can access the Compliance Planner via MyServices in Veracity.

DNV: Is there a risk that in the end not everyone will be able to meet the individual deadline due to capacity problems at the verifiers, engine manufacturers or other system providers?

FK: What we can see is that most owners will install some kind of overridable power limitation in order to comply with the required EEXI. The installation of such systems on board the vessels in such a short timeframe could result in a temporary shortage of engineers available to install the equipment if many shipowners decide on last-minute approval. DNV is however well prepared and will make sure that everybody meets their individual deadlines. But to be on the safe side shipowners should hand in their data at least four weeks before the periodical survey.

DNV: Are there any particular challenges customers have faced during the certification process so far?

FK: In order to achieve lower EEXI values and to reduce the required power limitation or speed reduction, it is advised to make use of approved speed-power curves from speed trials instead of using the fallback solution of conservative formulas. Particularly for older ships, it might be challenging to get hold of such documents, since for non-EEDI vessels speed-power curves have not been approved by class and are therefore not stored in DNV’s archives. So owners and managers should consolidate all relevant documents well ahead of time. If such documents are not available, the regulations by IMO allow for more conservative calculations, however with the drawback of higher attained EEXI values. This means that much larger speed reductions have to be applied in order to achieve the required EEXI value.

DNV: How does DNV’s EEXI tool support owners?

FK: Our digital EEXI tool is free of charge and provides support during the entire verification process. It enables all registered clients to review the required EEXI and calculate the attained EEXI of each vessel. To make the calculation process as efficient as possible, the calculator is pre-filled with data approved by DNV. The tool guides our clients through the whole calculation process and offers all possible options and correction factors which will improve the attained EEXI. For instance, corrections due to installed cranes on general cargo ships or higher installed power due to redundant propulsion on shuttle tankers. The EEXI results page shows whether the attained EEXI meets the required EEXI. In case it does not, it will provide the required overridable engine power limitation (EPL) as one possible route to compliance. Once the compliance option has been finalized, it generates the EEXI technical file, which in the next step can be submitted for approval. The good news is that the tool is also available for non-DNV-classed vessels.

Photo credit: DNV
Source: DNV Maritime Impact
Published: 19 May, 2022

Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

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Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor.

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said.

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process.

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications.

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage.

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025