Implications of the IMO goal-based short-term measure on existing containerships

In line with IMO's initial GHG strategy, the recent MEPC76 has adopted short-term measures addressing existing ships’ technical index (EEXI) and operational carbon intensity (SEEMP/CII). These measures mark a first and crucial step to achieve the IMO decarbonization goals.

Even though the importance of the short-term measures’ success cannot be underestimated, an evidence-based assessment of the measures’ implications on existing ships has not been adequately researched yet. The presentation provides insights on possible implications of these policy measures on the containership segment by analyzing technical and operational data of six sample ships.
More specifically, the presentation investigates the practical options that selected sample ships of different sizes and technological vintages have in order to meet the specific EEXI and CII reduction requirements imposed by the IMO short-term measures. The data-based investigation will consider a set of possible compliance options including, but not limited to, engine power limitation, waste heat recovery systems, variable frequency drives, and virtual arrival.

The results show that, in complying with the regulations, ship owners and operators will experience payback periods often exceeding the lifetime of the ships. They uncover connections between the ships' age and the utilizable reduction potential. Further, side effects of the regulations are revealed, such as the preferential treatment of pre-EEDI ships due to EEXI compliance through EPL. As an alternative, fleet-level compliance shows its advantages based on the group of sample ships.