Energy Efficiency Design

Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments: On January 1, 2013, the new chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI entered into force, establishing energy efficiency requirements for new ships through the creation of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (“EEDI”). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had previously published an announcement describing these energy efficiency design requirements for ships, available at (link resource) epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/marine/ci/420f11025.pdf. Excerpts from this announcement appear below (with footnotes omitted).

Some Aspects of Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments

Under this new program, an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) will be required for new ships, with progressively more stringent efficiency targets phasing in beginning in 2013. These standards will result in significant reductions in fuel consumption, cutting fuel costs for ship operators, while reducing air and marine pollution from ships, including CO2. …

Developments

These EEDI standards phase in from 2013 to 2025, and by then will result in 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption, and hence CO2, compared to today's vessels.

Details

…The EEDI applies to the most energy-intensive segments of the international shipping fleet, representing more than 70 percent of ship emissions. These segments include the following ship classes: container ships, general cargo ships, refrigerated cargo carriers, gas tankers, oil and chemical tankers, dry bulk carriers, and combination dry/liquid bulk carriers. In its present form, the EEDI requirements do not apply to other ship classes or ships with non-standard propulsion systems (e.g. dieselelectric, turbine, or hybrid propulsion systems). IMO is considering the extension of EEDI standards to other classes of ships.

More

The Need for Efficiency Standards

Ships provide the most efficient means for transporting goods. However, emissions from ships represent a meaningful contribution to air and marine pollution around the world. Emissions from ships will continue to grow if left unchecked. … A recent study by IMO projects that emissions from shipping will increase 150 percent to 250 percent by 2050 in the absence of policies to reduce emissions.

More

The IMO study also shows that many options exist to improve the efficiency of new ships, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The measures identified by the study include hull improvements, propeller/propulsion system upgrades, alternative power options (e.g., towing kite), hull coatings, propeller improvements, auxiliary systems, speed reduction, and main engine improvements.

Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments: Although technologies and methods are available today that can be used to improve energy efficiency and therefore achieve cost savings, standards in the form of energy efficiency targets such as the EEDI are needed to provide an incentive for the implementation of this technology. While many of these efficiency improvements will pay for themselves through fuel savings, there are non-financial barriers that prevent their use. These non-financial barriers include 1) fuel price uncertainty, 2) split incentives between owners, operators, and shipyards and 3) lack of good information on the fuel efficiency improvements for different technologies, and impact on life cycle costs.

More about Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments

EEDI Standards

The EEDI standards are expressed as percent emissions reductions from reference lines established for each ship class. …

The EEDI standards for new ships will be implemented through four phases from 2013 to 2025….

Development

Benefits

When this program is fully phased in, new ships will be 30 percent more efficient than they are today. This efficiency improvement has beneficial energy implications due to reduced oil consumption. More efficient ships will also emit lower amounts of criteria pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulfur (SOx), and particulate matter (PM). Emissions of CO2, which are directly related to fuel consumption, will be reduced by 30 percent per ship over the long run compared to typical ships operating today. Reductions in these air emissions will benefit human health and the environment, including benefits from reduced acid deposition in our oceans.

Resources

Notes

1. Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law

Resources

Notes

1. Energy Efficiency Design Index Amendments in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law