About
With effect from 1 January 2013, the EEDI mandates a minimum required level of energy efficiency for new ships. The actual EEDI of a vessel is called the "attained EEDI" and is calculated based on guidelines adopted by IMO's MEPC. The EEDI applies mandatorily to all new ships and the attained EEDI must be below the limit as prescribed in MARPOL Annex VI ('required EEDI').
The required EEDI level has been tightened incrementally and will become more stringent in a phased manner (ranging from Phase 0 to Phase 3). Ships delivered under Phase 1 (2015), Phase 2 (2020), and Phase 3 (2022 or 2025, depending on the type of ship) are required to reduce their carbon intensity by 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, compared to a baseline of ships of similar size and type built from 2000 through 2010. Certain size and types of vessels may have higher reduction rate than 30% from 2022/2025.
Since 2012, IMO's MEPC has adopted several guidelines that aim to assist in the implementation of the mandatory requirements and calculations under the EEDI.
Who does it impact?
The EEDI regulations apply mandatorily to all new merchant ships (tankers, bulk carriers, gas carriers, general cargo ships, container ships, refrigerated cargo carriers and combination carriers) of 400 gross tonnes and above, regardless of the national flag they fly or the nationality or the owner.
In 2014, MEPC adopted amendments to the EEDI regulations to extend the scope of the EEDI to LNG carriers, ro-ro cargo ship, ro-ro passenger ships and cruise passenger ships having non-conventional propulsion.
Status: In force
The EEDI entered into force on 1 January 2013. Several amendments have been made.
Phase 3 of the EEDI commenced in 2022 or 2025 depending on the relevant ship type.
Relation to other initiatives and regulations
The EEDI is closely linked to the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) regulations.
As per MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 6, an International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) needs to be issued to all vessels of 400 gross tonnage and above.
For new ships, an IEEC is to be issued at the vessel's initial survey provided that the EEDI has been verified and that a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan is on board. For existing ships, an IEEC is to be issued during the next annual, intermediate or class renewal survey provided that the SEEMP is on board. For the requirements applicable under the EEXI regulation, please see our page regarding the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI).
Participants
Signatories to MARPOL Annex VI.
Thommessen's comments
Aiming to promote more energy efficient vessel design, the EEDI establishes legally binding carbon intensity requirements for newbuild vessels.
The EEDI requires a minimum energy efficiency level per capacity mile (ton-mile) for different ship types and size segments. The EEDI requirements have been continuously, strengthened through several phases. By way of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI adopted by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee ('MEPC') in 2020, the entry into effect date of Phase 3 of the EEDI was moved forward to 1 April 2022 - from 2025 - for certain types of ships, including large gas carriers, general cargo ships and LNG carriers. Vessels constructed from 2022 and onwards will have to be significantly more energy efficient than was previously prescribed under MARPOL Annex VI.
In an earlier MEPC meeting it was proposed to look into the introduction of a possible Phase 4, further tightening the EEDI requirements for newbuild ships. However, as of 2025, Phase 4 has not been introduced.
On 1 January 2023, a new energy efficiency standard entered into force, which applies retroactively to all vessels above 400 GT in service, called the Efficiency Design Index for Existing Ships ('EEXI').