It is clear that excessive carbon emissions are a global issue affecting all countries, industries and people. While shipping may not be a leading contributor, it is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (3rd IMO GHG study). This is projected to rise at a rate of 50%-250% by 2050 unless measures are implemented.  

Consequently, as the shipping industry continues to grow, so do carbon emissions – unless changes are made now. The current world fleet will produce over 50% of the total emissions by 2050. Today’s vessels need a new approach – and it is in data that the answers will be found. 

GHG Regulations & the CII rating  

In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed an initial strategy for reducing Green House Gases (GHG) emissions from ships. One of the goals of this strategy is to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by 40% minimum by 2030 compared to 2008. 

As a result, Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Using data from 2023 onwards. Ships will report their Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) at the end of the year. This value and the ship type will result in a CII rating given from A (the best) to E (the worst). The CII ratings will have serious consequences on the commercial attractiveness of the ship. Not to mention time limits for how long you can remain in the lower bands.  

Optimizing Vessel CO2 Output and Fuel Consumption  

Following the IMO’s initial strategy, there are multiple ways to reduce the GHG emissions of a vessel. These ways include voyage optimization, energy management, speed optimization and many others (see the figure below).  Squeezed between the pressures of the economic crisis and regional / international regulations aimed at reducing shipping’s impact on climate change, ship owners and managers have been looking for innovative solutions that will help them stay compliant. 

So how does one stay compliant?

On the same note, VesOPS has developed a software focused on the detailed performance analysis of the ship. Designed to work with anything from one daily noon-report to huge volumes of high frequency sensor data – the software compares live performance against a calculated baseline to provide the owner/operator a clear understanding of how the vessel is performing and what factors may be affecting it. With this methodology the program provides accurate proven fuel consumption tables for multiple different conditions. This in turn supports operational decision making, including when to perform hull cleaning and propellor polishing, as well as commercial aspects, such as achieving best charter party terms for your fleet with a balance between daily hire rate and CII rating impact.  

As a result, the key takeaway is: use VesOPS to understand your vessel and fleet’s current CII rating and predict how that rating will be affected by future voyages. Take control of your operations from now to ensure that from 2023 onwards you will not be impacted by the ratings scheme and subsequent penalties.  

VesOPS has trusted Oriani Hellas to officially represent them in Greece. Oriani Hellas is the Trusted Partner that helps shipping companies in Greece and the EMEA acquire competitive advantage by supporting their digital transformation journey.  

Today Oriani Hellas provides 12 selective innovative solutions that all have one common purpose: the digital transformation of the maritime industry by bringing together seamanship and big data.