Sailing towards sustainability: CII vs. EEOI in Shipping

In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime transportation, the quest for sustainability has taken centre stage. As the shipping sector grapples with the environmental impact of its operations, two key metrics have emerged in a bid to help monitor, measure, and minimise emissions:

1. Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
2. Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI).

In today’s dynamic market, these two measures are serving as universal benchmarks for a vessel’s efficiency and carbon impact. Grasping the nuances between these metrics is becoming ever more crucial for stakeholders in the maritime industry. And as the European Union (EU) introduces ambitious regulations under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the importance increases further still.

What is CII?

In shipping, the term ‘CII’ refers to the ‘Carbon Intensity Indicator’. Introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this metric was developed to measure and assess the carbon efficiency of a ship’s operations.

In order to calculate a ship’s CII, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by the vessel during a specific voyage/period is divided by the transport work performed, often expressed in grams of CO2 emitted per tonne-mile. As a metric, CII aims to provide a standardised way of evaluating and comparing the carbon efficiency of different ships.

What is EEOI?

The term ‘EEOI’ stands for ‘Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator’. EEOI is a metric used to assess a vessel’s fuel efficiency during its operations, in turn providing a measure of how effectively a ship converts fuel into propulsion and transport.

In order to calculate EEOI, you divide the amount of fuel consumed by a vessel by its transport work, typically expressed in grams of fuel consumed per tonne-mile. As a metric, EEOI helps shipowners and operators evaluate the energy efficiency of their vessels. As a result, they are then better placed to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to reduce fuel consumption and, by extension, lower greenhouse gas emissions from their vessels.

CII vs. EEOI – what is the difference?

CII and EEOI are similar in that both metrics are implemented as part of the shipping industry’s broader efforts to address environmental concerns, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability. However, there are some key distinctions between the two measures, most notably that they differ in their focus and calculation methods. Let’s compare CII vs. EEOI:

• CII measures a ship’s carbon emissions relative to its transport work, often expressed in grams of CO2 emitted per tonne-mile. EEOI provides a measure of a ship’s fuel efficiency by calculating the amount of fuel consumed per unit of transport work.
• CII emphasises the carbon efficiency of a vessel in relation to its cargo-carrying capacity and distance travelled. EEOI, on the other hand, considers the actual energy consumption during operations, providing insights into how effectively a vessel converts fuel into propulsion and transport.

Why do CII and EEOI matter?

As the world increasingly recognises the importance of turning towards sustainable practices, the shipping sector faces growing pressure to adopt cleaner technologies and improve its environmental performance. The significance of CII and EEOI, therefore, lies in their ability to assess and compare the environmental impact of different vessels within the diverse international shipping industry. These metrics enable both shipowners and operators to identify inefficiencies and so implement measures to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and ultimately decrease the industry’s carbon footprint.

The role of shipping tech in CII and EEOI

Technological advancements are already playing a central role in improving the CII and EEOI of vessels – and it is expected that tech’s role in bringing about a more sustainable shipping industry will only increase over time.

We are already seeing technology driving efficiency gains in the maritime sector with the introduction of innovative new hull designs and propulsion systems that harness renewable energy. Furthermore, digitalisation and data analytics are also contributing to more sustainable shipping. Software and digital platforms, such as those developed by Sea, are offering accurate, real-time monitoring and optimisation of vessel operations. Sea’s ‘Carbon Accounting and Monitoring’ tool, for example, empowers shipowners to make data-driven chartering decisions by offering a digital solution that tracks, validates, and records maritime carbon emissions.

What impact will the upcoming EU ETS regulations have?

In 2005, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) was introduced – the first international emissions trading scheme in the world. This major policy initiative was aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the European Union in a bid to tackle global climate change.

The EU ETS applies to specific industries and operates as a cap-and-trade system. In simple terms, this means that for entities covered by the system, there’s a limit (cap) on the total amount of greenhouse gases they can emit. Companies within the system are then allocated allowances (they can also buy additional allowances), which permit them to emit a specific amount of CO2.

January 2024 saw a new phase for the EU ETS scheme as it extended its carbon pricing mechanism to also cover the maritime industry. Naturally, this will have a profound impact on shipping: with shipowners now required to purchase emission allowances for their vessels, there will be a new – and significant – financial incentive to improve CII and EEOI and remain compliant with the regulation.

The need to embrace change

As the shipping industry sets sail towards a more sustainable future, understanding CII, EEOI, and the differences between two, is essential. Not only do these metrics offer valuable insights into a vessel’s environmental impact, they also serve as benchmarks for improvement. With the introduction of EU ETS regulations for the shipping industry in January 2024, the adoption of cleaner technologies and enhanced operational efficiency is even more important for shipowners if they are to keep pace with the evolution towards more sustainable shipping. Embracing these changes not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions the shipping industry as a key player in the broader effort to combat climate change.

Sea’s Carbon Exposure provides the industry with ways to manage costs and reduce carbon emissions at the pre-fixture stage of the chartering workflow. Learn more about this solution and ways to reduce your carbon output here.