Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) & Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for Yachts - A Guide

It is the purpose of this guide to provide further information concerning the recently launched Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) & Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and its application to yachts.

Application

EEDI applies to all new build yachts of 400 gross tonnage and greater with effect from the 1st January, 2013.

SEEMP applies to all yachts of 400 gross tonnage and greater with effect from the 1st January, 2013.

Background

At the 63rd session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) held in London in the latter part of 2012 an important series of measures were adopted.

The measures are designed to support the uniform implementation of mandatory measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping.

The MEPC adopted four sets of guidelines intended to assist in the implementation of the mandatory Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships in MARPOL Annex VI.

These regulations enter into force on January 1, 2013. The guidelines are:

• 2012 guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained EEDI for new ships;
• 2012 guidelines for the development of SEEMP;
• 2012 guidelines on survey and certification of the EEDI; and
• Guidelines for calculation of reference lines for use with the EEDI.

EEDI

The EEDI aims to promote the use of more energy efficient (less polluting) equipment and engines.

The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific yacht design to the industry.  As long as the required energy efficiency level is attained, yacht designers and builders are free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the vessel to comply with the regulations.  The EEDI provides a specific figure for an individual yacht design, expressed in grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per yacht’s capacity-mile (the smaller the EEDI the more energy efficient ship design) and is calculated by a formula based on the technical design parameters.

SEEMP

The SEEMP is intended to be a management tool to assist a yacht in managing the ongoing environmental performance of its operations. It is recommended that a yacht or its management company develop procedures for implementing the plan in a manner, which limits the onboard administrative burden to a minimum.

The SEEMP seeks to improve a yacht's energy efficiency through four steps: planning, implementation, monitoring, and self-evaluation and improvement. These components play a critical role in the continuous cycle to improve energy management. Achieving these goals can be done through a combination of structural and operations actions. These may include improved voyage planning, weather routing, optimized speed, consistent shaft power, enhanced use of rudder and heading control systems (autopilots), and hull maintenance.

SEEMP also provides an approach for yacht owners to manage vessel efficiency performance over time using, for example, the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) as a monitoring tool.  The guidance on the development of the SEEMP for new and existing yachts incorporates best practices for fuel efficient operation, as well as guidelines for voluntary use of the EEOI for new and existing ships.

The EEOI enables yacht owners to measure the fuel efficiency of their vessel in operation and to gauge the effect of any changes in operation, e.g. improved voyage planning or more frequent propeller cleaning, or introduction of technical measures such as waste heat recovery systems or a new propeller.  The SEEMP urges the yacht owner at each stage of the plan to consider new technologies and practices when seeking to optimise the performance of a ship.

Documentation

To verify compliance with these new rules, yachts must carry a new statutory certificate called the International Energy Efficiency (IEE) Certificate.  The required survey will be conduct by the yacht’s flag-state or classification society appointed on their behalf.

Further Information

Both EEDI and SEEMP were written to cover all types of vessels and primarily those vessels that are engaged in commercial trade. As a result the majority of standard generic off-the-shelf systems will require a high level of modification for them to be properly adapted to meet the needs of a particular yacht.

Oceanskies can assist yacht owners and the Captains of yachts with the implementation of a bespoke SEEMP programme as stand alone system or in conjunction with third party yacht managers. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

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