CII

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is a vital metric in the maritime industry, introduced to measure and reduce the carbon intensity of shipping activities. It quantifies the amount of CO2 emitted per transport work, such as cargo carrying capacity and distance traveled, offering a clear gauge of a vessel’s environmental impact. The CII is part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships and combat climate change.

CII is calculated as the ratio of a ship’s annual CO2 emissions to its annual transport work, resulting in a rating from A to E, with A being the most efficient and E the least. This system encourages ship owners and operators to improve their fleet’s energy efficiency, promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels and innovative technologies. Vessels rated D for three consecutive years or E in a single year will need to submit a corrective action plan, underscoring the regulatory pressure to enhance performance.

Implementing CII is expected to drive significant changes in the maritime sector. Vessel design, operational practices, and fuel choices will be increasingly influenced by the need to achieve better CII ratings. Innovations like advanced hull designs, air lubrication systems, and energy-saving devices will become more prevalent as the industry seeks ways to lower its carbon footprint.

CII not only addresses environmental concerns but also has broader implications for global trade and logistics. As shipping companies strive to comply with CII regulations, they will need to balance operational efficiency with sustainability, impacting shipping routes, speeds, and fleet compositions.

Overall, the CII is a crucial tool in the maritime industry’s journey towards sustainability. By quantifying carbon intensity, it provides a clear benchmark for measuring progress and driving improvements, aligning the industry with international efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment.