The International Maritime Organization has approved new guidelines requiring all vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage to submit carbon intensity ratings starting July 2025. Ships rated D or E for three consecutive years will face mandatory operational restrictions.
Rating System Explained
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) measures grams of CO2 emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile traveled. Vessels receive annual ratings from A (best) to E (worst). Rating thresholds will tighten each year through 2030.
Compliance Options
Ship owners can improve CII scores through slow steaming, hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and route optimization. More substantial improvements require engine modifications or alternative fuel adoption.
Industry Reaction
Shipping associations warn that older vessels may become economically unviable under the new regime. Some owners are already scrapping tonnage rather than investing in upgrades for ships with limited remaining lifespan.
The rules accelerate the fleet renewal cycle, benefiting newbuild orderbooks at major shipyards.
