The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has now adopted the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, making the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) a mandatory requirement for the majority of the global fleet. The new requirement will enter into force on the 1^st January 2023 and vessels will need to demonstrate compliance at the first International Air Pollution Prevention Certification (IAPPC) survey after this date. Therefore, some owners may have as little as 18 months to check their vessel’s current EEXI and, where necessary, plan and implement measures to improve it and achieve compliance.

Understanding the regulation, calculating a vessel’s current EEXI, and assessing successful compliance measures are all essential. This must also be done in consideration with the commercial benefits of the business in mind. Houlder is committed to helping the industry understand the scope of this new regulation and supporting owners achieve compliance. Our technical experts have an in-depth understanding of the calculation requirements and the measures available to improve a vessel’s attained EEXI. We are able to support from an initial assessment through to preparation of the EEXI Technical File for submission and approval.

There is no single best solution to the energy efficiency challenges. Proven opportunities to improve efficiency, minimise fuel consumption and reduce emissions exist, but it requires analysis to achieve the best return on investment. Houlder’s expert team can advise on the multitude of effective adaptations that would be suitable for different vessel profiles and operations. From hull appendages to improve propellor efficiency and high-tech anti-fouling coatings, to innovative rudder designs, as well as innovative technologies like hull air lubrication and wind assisted propulsion systems, the options require expert analysis to enable the right decision on a case-by-case basis.

The process involves:

• Calculation of attained EEXI – we can provide an initial calculation of a vessel’s attained EEXI using Houlder’s in-house calculation tool.
• Reference Speed Determination – many vessels will not have available and suitable speed-power curves from which a reference speed can be taken for use in the calculation of EEXI. Houlder can support owners in determining this data through model tests, sea trials or CFD to avoid the use of the conservative statistical method provided by the regulation.
• Improvement Measures – our experts can evaluate the most suitable measures to improve a vessel’s attained EEXI, support their implementation and verification of their performance.
• EEXI Technical File – once the vessel has achieved a compliant EEXI we will prepare its EEXI Technical File for submission to the verifier.

Jonathan Strachan, Ship Design & Engineering Director at Houlder commented: “There is a short window available to ensure vessels meet the new EEXI requirements and compliance is likely to be a challenge in some cases. Recent Houlder analysis shows that the majority of vessels in the current fleet will need to take at least some action to comply, so we strongly recommend starting the process sooner rather than later.

“While compliance with EEXI is the immediate challenge, we see this as an opportunity for owners to look at their vessels and find ways to improve performance. This can give your fleet a competitive edge, while also meeting the demands of industry regulation.”