The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Mumbai Branch and The Company of Master Mariners of India collaborated to discuss one of the burning issue in the industry – Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index Challenges and Way Forward on 4th February. Mr Arun Gupta, Chairman, IMEI, Mumbai Branch said, “The collaboration demonstrates our commitment to inclusiveness and belief in benefits that can be achieved through synergy.”

On 17^th June 2021, The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) as an amendments to MARPOL Annex VI at MEPC 76, introducing regulations 23 and 25, which will come into force from 1st November. The requirement was to reduce Operational Carbon Intensity through the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

Though it was introduced to reduce carbon intensity, it came with its own set of challenges. IMEI and CMMI invited industry experts in India to discuss this sensitive topic. “The title of the webinar itself speaks, this is the place where everyone will get expert’s answer,” said Capt BK Jha, Master, CMMI while delivering welcome address. He explained in detail the meaning of EEXI. “Some shipowners are yet to commence the process and in some cases may not be fully aware of the implications for their fleet or the reasons for moving quickly. There is opportunity to get ahead of the game and prepare for a future of sustainability; timeframes are short. There are several steps you may need to complete to achieve compliance. Act quickly to avoid the risk of your ships being unable to trade internationally,” he added.

“Everyone has to work towards zero emissions, the journey towards decarbonization will be long and tedious,” stated Mr Gupta. He raised few questions like how these can be achieved, how owners will continue to sustain the regulatory onslaught etc. Mr Gupta hoped that the guest will have a solution for all these questions. He then invited the Chief Guest, Mr Sanjay Kumar Bariar, Additional DG to set the tone of the webinar.

Mr Bariar mentioned that EEAI is a technical measure taken by IMO to improve the operational efficiency of existing ships with a view to achieve GIG deduction targets eventually make shipping carbon neutral. “Our immediate focus lies in the completion of the EEXI and to proactively utilize this opportunity to avoid adverse impact of non-compliance of MARPOL,” he said.

Mr Vijay Arora, Managing Director, IRCLASS along with his team Mr Suhas Vhanmane and Mr Kunal Sharma, Surveyors IRCLASS spoke about the measures to be taken by the ship owners. They presented on EEXI, which is a technical measure and CII that is operational measure. The trio also spoke on EEDI and its recent phase advancements, Engine Power Limitation (EPL) and other measures, SEEMP Part III and lastly IRS services available for EEXI and CII.

In the Q&A session, the audience flooded the speakers with their queries.

In his closing remarks, Mr Gupta assured such webinar will be held frequently.

Mr Girish Sreeraman proposed the vote of thanks.

Marex Media