Interferry Welcomes EEDI Decision

Johan Roos said he looked forward to finalising the crucial technical requirements

Interferry has welcomed a decision made at last week’s 64th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to proceed with a sector-specific methodology for establishing energy efficiency requirements for ro-ro cargo and ro-pax vessels.

Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements apply to ship orders placed from January 1, 2013 and to ships delivered after January 1, 2015, and will require increasing levels of efficiency for ships as derived by an EEDI formula, starting with 10% greater efficiency for ships delivered between 2015 and 2019.

The world-wide trade association said it worked with flag states and other industry bodies to asses a total of seven different proposals for "a fair and sustainable EEDI formula that did not penalise the specialised power requirements of ro-ro operations."

The chosen formula, supported by Interferry and now recognised by the IMO as the best way forward, was proposed by Germany, Sweden, and the European shipbuilders association CESA.

It incorporates ship design features into the efficiency formula, which Interferry said otherwise would typically focus on the amount of installed power in relation to the vessel’s size and speed, an approach too simplistic for complex and bespoke ro-ro ferry designs, many of which are for a particular route, rather than one vessel in a large series.

Johan Roos, Interferry’s executive director of EU and IMO affairs, commented: "Our approach to a workable EEDI solution for ro-ro vessels was two-fold. Obviously it had to bring about absolute efficiency gains and a consequent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. But we also had to ensure that new ships can be built for all ro-ro markets taking into account any external factors - such as limitations on draught or length, or the need for having enhanced power to operate in tidal areas or across very busy straights.

"We look forward to finalising these crucial technical requirements during the next MEPC session in May 2013."

Earlier this month the Vice-President of the European Commission, Siim Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard said EEDI will not be enough to ensure shipping emissions are reduced fast enough.