IMO, through its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) has been carrying out substantive work on the reduction or limitation of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping since 1997, following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol and the 1997 MARPOL Conference. While to date no mandatory GHG instrument for international shipping has been adopted, IMO has given significant consideration to the matter and has been working with a view to adopting a package of technical provisions to include:
- an energy efficiency design index (EEDI) for new ships;
- an energy efficiency operational indicator (EEOI); and
- a Ship Energy Management Plan (SEMP) that incorporates guidance on best practices, including improved voyage planning, speed and power optimization, optimized ship handling, improved fleet management and cargo handling as well as energy management for indivisual ships.
In this regard, WMU is developping a Model Course aiming at promoting the energy-efficient operation of ships (SEEMP). The course will contribute to the IMO's environmental protection goals by promulgating industry "best practices" which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the negative impact of global shipping on climate change.
