Study: New ship efficiencies falling

Improvements in the design efficiency of new bulk carrier, oil tanker and gas carrier ships was worse in 2016 compared to the previous year, according to an independent study by CE Delft. The share of new ships complying with future efficiency standards also decreased. The design efficiency of these ships appears to be stagnating after previous-year modest improvements. Data indicates earlier findings that a considerable proportion of new ships are over-complying with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) design efficiency standard (called EEDI) and that requirements need strengthening to stimulate new technologies and drive efficiency improvements. Environmentally-friend groups Transport & Environment and Seas At Risk, which commissioned the CED study, said tightening of EEDI requirements in 2017-18 should be a priority for the IMO; and that proposals to delay them from industry and governments should be resisted. (Source: Marine Link 07/04/17)