Ocean-going vessels are the most efficient mode of transport. However, as 90% of global trade is handled by sea, emissions from vessels are being particularly scrutinised – whether they are emissions to air (SOx, NOx, CO2), to water (ballast water) or to shore (waste).
Recently, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced two mandatory measures for reducing marine carbon emissions: the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), both of which will be mandatory from 2013 onwards.
We also see strong drivers from non-governmental sources, for instance logistics companies and their customers, who want to show a complete environmental balance of their operations. This enables them to also pass their requirements down to their transport providers, such as shipping companies. Voluntary industry standards, such as the Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG), the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and the Clean Shipping Index (CSI) are increasing pressure on ship operators to report emissions.
