Industry to discuss the future of CII, EU ETS and keys to environmental efficiency

At its 81st Session in March, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) publicly acknowledged significant concerns raised by IMO Member States and shipping concerning the “shortcomings and unintended consequences” of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Poor CII ratings resulting from the shortcomings of the CII methodology could have damaging commercial consequences on shipowners and ships, impacting decisions around investment, financing, insurance, chartering and brokering.

Conversely, the one-size-fits-all nature of CII methodology may well be rewarding some ships with good CII ratings, despite poor environmental operational practices. Clearly, this was not the intention of CII.

But the good news for shipping is there is still an opportunity to revise CII. A review process of CII will begin at MEPC 82 from 30 September to 4 October 2024, and will continue at subsequent meetings until December 2025. According to MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 28.11, the review of the CII regulations and guidelines must be completed by 1 January 2026.

Shipowners, operators, charterers, financiers, shipbuilders, researchers and technologists will have the opportunity to discuss and debate the merits of CII and the pathways to net zero for shipping at a well-timed, two-day industry event. Prior to MEPC 82, Riviera will hold its Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition, 24-25 September 2024 in Amsterdam. Opening the first day of the event will be a keynote address by IMO MEPC chair, Dr Harry T. Conway. During his address, Dr Conway will explore IMO: MEPC updates, mid-term measures and the future of CII.

Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition is the flagship event of Riviera’s Maritime Decarbonisation Conference series. The two-day programme has been organised into eight sessions, maximising the time to allow shipping industry experts to drill down further, providing vital information, insight and intelligence beyond the numbers.

“Biofuels are an attractive option for lowering CO2 and GHG emissions”

Delegates will also be able to take advantage of networking opportunities at social functions, coffee breaks, luncheons, a drinks reception and an industry dinner and awards. Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition will be held at the Hilton Amsterdam.

Following Dr Conway’s keynote address, Session 1 will bring together shipowners, charterers and policy makers to discuss EU policies regarding maritime decarbonization, including the EU Emissions Trading System, as well as IMO regulations.

Shipping analysts, fuel producers and fuel experts will examine the current newbuilding orderbook, including dual-fuel-capable vessels, and they will discuss the future of sustainable shipping. Presenters will also discuss the short- to mid-term outlook for alternative fuel usage and forecast the availability and economics of efuels such as synthetic ammonia, methanol and LNG. Biofuels are an attractive option for lowering CO2 and GHG emissions. They will also be discussed in depth at the conference.

“The shortcomings of the CII methodology could have damaging commercial consequences”

Session 3 will drill down even further into alternative fuels, examining the development of the supply chain, bunkering and port infrastructure.

To close out the conference agenda on day one, delegates will join with industry experts in roundtable discussions during Session 4 to share regulatory compliance experiences, best practices and best technologies.