Business

GARD: The challenges of CII compliance – Cooperation is key

‘CII regulation is likely to alter the traditional division of responsibilities between owners and time charterers, and may significantly change the way vessels are operated,’ states spokesman.

Published

2 years ago

November 28, 2022

Admin

Maritime protection and indemnity (P&I) club Gard on Friday (25 November) published an article looking at certain key features of IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation which will be coming into force next year.

“The CII regulation is likely to alter the traditional division of responsibilities between owners and time charterers, and may significantly change the way vessels are operated,” stated Siddharth Mahajan, Senior Loss Prevention Executive, at the Singapore office of Gard.

The CII regulation

The Carbon Intensity Indicator or CII is a rating system developed by IMO for all cargo, Ro-pax and cruise vessels above 5,000 GT whereby vessels will be rated for their operational Carbon Intensity for each calendar year, starting in 2023. Operational carbon intensity performance of different types of ships from 2019 will be used as a reference.

Below are some key points of the CII regulations.

CII Rating: Based on a vessels carbon intensity, vessels will be given a rating between A and E, with ‘E’ being for vessels that are worst emitters under the CII regime. Calculations will be based on data reported by the vessel under the IMO Data Collection System (DCS), which has been in force since 2018.

Actions after receiving rating ‘D’ or ‘E’: A vessel that is rated ‘D’ for three consecutive years or ‘E’ for a single year, will have to update their Ship energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III with a corrective action plan showing how the vessel will achieve a rating of ‘C’, and this will then have to be verified by the Flag State or the Classification Societies in their role as Recognised Organizations (RO). This plan will then have to be implemented onboard.

Correction factors and voyage adjustments: IMO has agreed to various correction factors and voyage adjustments which may be applied to the calculation of the attained CII, for example any emission necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea, fuel consumed in relation to STS voyages, fuel consumed for production of electrical power used for refrigerated containers or cargo cooling/re-liquefaction systems on gas carriers, fuel used in cargo heating etc. The need for further adjustments is still under discussion.
Progressive reduction of carbon intensity: IMO’s objective is to continuously improve a vessel’s operational carbon intensity. Therefore, a phased approach has been adopted whereby the carbon intensity limits will progressively reduce by 2% each year. This requires owners and managers to continuously work on improving a vessel’s carbon intensity, or else her rating could degrade over time.As an example, if a 62,000 t DWT bulk carrier has a carbon intensity of 5.50 g CO2/t-nm for 2023, then she will be rated as ‘D’ for that year. Assuming no improvements or changes are made to how the ship is managed or operated in the subsequent year, then for the same carbon intensity of 5.50 g CO2/t-nm she will be rated as ‘E’ at the end of calendar year 2024. This is because the ‘required CII’ for this vessel has reduced in this two-year period.

Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III: Vessels subject to CII regulations must develop a ship specific SEEMP Part III to include things such as, ‘CII calculation methodology’, ‘Required CII values until 2026’, ‘implementation plan for achieving the required CII’, and ‘procedures for self-evaluation & improvement’. Vessels will already have onboard SEEMP Part I, that relates to improving energy efficiency, and Part II which focusses on procedures for monitoring and collecting fuel oil consumption data. The requirements for SEEMP Part I and Part II came into force in 2018.

Incentives for better performing vessels: IMO encourages Administrations and port authorities to provide incentives to ships rated as A or B. However, there is no guidance provided by the IMO on what form these incentives should take. We are not yet aware of any authorities introducing such incentive schemes based on CII ratings, but we do expect to see some in the future.

Note: The complete article “The challenges of CII compliance – Cooperation is key” including segments on ‘Factors affecting CII’, ‘Important considerations’, can be viewed here.

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 28 November, 2022

Business

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

Both signed a MoU to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and covering areas such as clean energy.

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Environment

SMW 2025: Maritime drone training for ship emission monitoring to be established

MPA and Republic Polytechnic ink a MoU to start a specialised Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Training programme for MPA pilots to operate drones for maritime applications such as monitoring vessel emissions.

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students.

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety.

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters.

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

MPA and partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to improve safety and efficiency of port operations, such as bunkering of alternative fuels and vessel navigation.

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic.

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights.

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency.

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce.

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals.

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025