Shipping – as one the world’s largest transport sectors – will go through major technical and operational changes to achieve the CO2 reduction targets for 2030 agreed by the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO). This new publication from ICS guides readers through the first step on the route to decarbonisation: preparing for compliance with the IMO regulatory framework, and in particular, the 2021 amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to IMO Regulatory Compliance sets out plainly what the key regulatory changes are for shipowners, operators and managers. Taking account of the IMO implementation guidelines adopted in June 2022, it explains in detail the full range of additional technical and operational requirements which ships must now comply with, including:

• Reductions of carbon intensity through the use of the Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships (EEDI) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI);
• Submission of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (SEEMP) for external audit and statutory certification; and
• Use of operational Carbon Intensity Indicators (CIIs) and the collection and submission of operational data, with ships being designated annually with an ‘A to E’ rating.

The Guide is structured in four main chapters:

• Chapter 1 provides an overview of the ship energy efficiency regulatory framework agreed by IMO;
• Chapter 2 focuses on the key technical concepts supporting this framework;
• Chapter 3 covers each new regulation in MARPOL Annex VI and how to comply with them; and
• Chapter 4 contains practical information on efficiency improving solutions that may help shipping companies achieve compliance.

All technical managers, superintendents and crew of vessels subject to the regulations, particularly MARPOL Annex VI, should read this guide. It will also be valuable to those involved in the design of new ships and modification of existing ships, including naval architects.