The four regulatory pillars driving fleet decarbonisation: IMO's Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) + EEXI, the EU Emissions Trading System for shipping, FuelEU Maritime, and the IMO Greenhouse-Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) framework.
What it is
The 2023–2030 regulatory stack forcing fleet decarbonisation. IMO's CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator, 2023) + EEXI (Existing-ship Energy Efficiency Index) measure per-vessel performance. EU ETS (Emissions Trading, shipping included from 2024) prices CO₂. FuelEU Maritime (2025) sets per-trip fuel-intensity limits. IMO GFI (Greenhouse-Gas Fuel Intensity, 2027–2030) is the global framework being negotiated to replace the patchwork.
Why it matters
Bridge + engine room decisions (speed, fuel choice, routeing, trim) now have direct compliance + financial consequences. Charterer + owner + operator all care. Crew see the regulatory regime in voyage instructions + onboard performance monitoring.
Where it stands in 2026
CII A–E grading in its third year — vessels rated D/E for 3 consecutive years require corrective action plans. EU ETS shipping inclusion at 100% from 2026 (50% phase-in 2024–2025). FuelEU Maritime in force; biofuel + LNG + methanol blending the practical compliance levers. IMO GFI negotiations ongoing at MEPC; expected 2027 adoption + 2028–2030 phase-in.
Training implications
Updated CII + EEXI competency for engineers + officers.
Voyage-planning training to include compliance + cost optimisation across speed, fuel choice, routeing.
Bunkering training updated for biofuel blending + GHG-intensity tracking.
Awareness of EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) data flows.
Safety risks
Slow steaming for CII compliance can compromise auxiliary-engine performance + maintenance cycles.
Pressure to skip planned-maintenance to hit performance targets.