INTERTANKO Acts to Improve CII Application for Tankers

11 July 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

London, 11 July 2024

INTERTANKO Acts to Improve CII Application for Tankers

Tanker owners’ data demonstrates the need for regulations to reflect real-world situations.

In response to the growing concerns surrounding the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) system, as adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), INTERTANKO has been exploring the specific challenges faced by tankers, particularly small LNG and fuel oil refuelling carriers. This initiative aligns with broader industry calls to refine the CII rating system to reflect the environmental performance of ships and avoid driving behaviours counterproductive to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions.

A joint policy statement issued on behalf of leading owners’ associations BIMCO, CLIA, INTERCARGO, INTERMANAGER, ICS, and INTERTANKO underscores the importance of a tailored approach.

“To achieve the IMO’s intent, the CII scheme must reflect the true efficiency rating of each ship. A one-size-fits-all instrument, as the CII is currently designed, has inherent flaws that work against its intended purpose of supporting our collective objective of reducing GHG emissions across the maritime industry.”

The statement calls on the IMO “to amend the current CII system to avoid unintended consequences that are contradictory to reducing overall GHG emissions. Indeed, the IMO has already received 78 proposals submitted by every sector of shipping, also calling for amendment to the CII.”

INTERTANKO’s latest submissions to the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) draw on data gathered from its Members and highlight a critical issue: the current CII framework unfairly penalises small LNG and fuel oil carriers, many of which are primarily engaged in bunkering operations rather than traditional transport work. These vessels are often operating on short voyages between neighbouring ports, leading to persistent low CII ratings that do not reflect the true energy efficiency or environmental impact of their operations.

The submissions to MEPC 82 are available on the following links:

• Comments on the application of the Interim Guidelines on Correction Factors and Voyage Adjustments for CII Calculations (G5) to small LNG Carriers 
• Comments on the application of the Interim Guidelines on Correction Factors and Voyage Adjustments for CII Calculations (G5) to oil tankers engaged in fuel oil supply to other ships

"As the shipping industry continues to move towards increased transparency, it is imperative that the regulatory frameworks like the CII accurately represent the diverse activities within our sector," stated Tim Wilkins of INTERTANKO. "We urge the IMO and relevant stakeholders to consider our findings and recommendations to ensure that the CII ratings genuinely contribute to reducing our carbon footprint without penalizing specific sectors unfairly."

INTERTANKO remains committed to collaborating with the IMO, flag states, and other maritime stakeholders to refine the CII system, ensuring it effectively supports the industry's transition to a more sustainable future without compromising operational viability.

For more information, please contact:

Tim Wilkins
Deputy Managing Director
Environment Director
INTERTANKO
tim.wilkins@intertanko.com

St Clare House
30-33 Minories
London EC3N 1DD
Tel. +44 020 7977 7012
Mobile: +44 770 401 7471
www.intertanko.com

BACK