BIMCO and Shipowners Urge IMO to Review CII Calculation Method for Ships
Cubierto por 4 fuentesPublicado
- bimcoBIMCO co-sponsors proposal to focus CII on fuel consumption while ships are under way
- Data PortuariaBIMCO copatrocina propuesta para enfocar el CII en el consumo de combustible de los buques en navegación
- safety 4seaShipping groups propose revised CII calculation methodology
- Ship BunkerBahamas, Liberia and Industry Bodies Propose Revising IMO CII Reference Lines
BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), and the registries of Bahamas and Liberia submitted a joint proposal to the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 85) to revise the calculation methodology of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). The aim is for the rating to better reflect each ship's actual operational efficiency by centering the calculation on fuel consumption while the vessel is underway.
Why the Change Is Being Sought
According to the proponents, the current CII accounts for all fuel consumed, including that used while at anchor or berthed in port, yet the transport work against which it is measured depends on distance traveled. This means that waiting time or terminal delays hurt the rating even though they have no bearing on the vessel's technical capability. BIMCO points out that short-sea vessels, which make more port calls, and those affected by port congestion end up receiving ratings different from those of comparable ships, turning the CII into a rating of the route rather than of the ship.
How the New Data Would Be Used
The proposal is based on the expanded requirements of the IMO's Data Collection System (DCS), which as of January 2026 will distinguish fuel consumption while underway from that recorded outside of underway operation, with the first data set covering 2026 to be submitted in 2027. The co-sponsors are asking that this information be used to reassess and recalibrate the CII reference lines, which were built using total fuel consumption. They also propose a comprehensive prior analysis assessing the impact on different ship types and sizes, the distribution of A-to-E ratings, and a review of the correction factors and voyage adjustments linked to port operations.
Port Emissions Would Still Be Measured
The proponents of the proposal clarify that they do not seek to disregard emissions generated in ports or at anchorages, which will continue to be recorded through the DCS to maintain a complete picture of the sector's fuel consumption and emissions. Instead, they emphasize the need for cooperation among ships, ports, and terminals to reduce unnecessary waiting, through measures such as just-in-time arrival and better coordination of berth availability.
Next Steps
The proposal will be considered at MEPC 85, scheduled for November 30 to December 3, 2026, as part of the second phase of the IMO's review of short-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which began at MEPC 84. According to Safety4Sea, that review is expected to conclude at MEPC 87, in the spring of 2028, while for now the current CII calculation method remains in effect unchanged.
