Editorial note

This article provides general information, not legal, regulatory or financial advice. Requirements depend on the applicable contract, authority and jurisdiction.

Editorial image placeholder — CII and EEXI Explained for Commercial Teams

EEXI: the technical measure

The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index compares the attained technical efficiency of an existing ship with a required value. It applies according to ship type and size and may be addressed through measures such as engine-power limitation or technical modification.

CII: the annual operational measure

The Carbon Intensity Indicator applies to covered ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above and results in an annual A-to-E rating. It relates emissions to transport work using the applicable methodology. Ships rated poorly over the specified period may require corrective planning.

Diagram placeholder — CII and EEXI Explained for Commercial Teams

Why commercial teams should care

Speed, waiting, routing, cargo intake, weather, ballast legs, technical condition and contractual instructions can influence operational intensity. A technically efficient vessel can still perform poorly when the voyage pattern is inefficient.

The data conversation between owner and charterer

Improvement can require cooperation on speed orders, arrival planning, data exchange and operational constraints. Charter-party language is evolving to allocate information and decision rights. The platform should record who requested what, when and with which consequence.

From compliance metric to operating habit

Teams should avoid managing only to the annual rating. Monitor trends by voyage and operating mode, compare actual against realistic baselines, investigate outliers and connect corrective actions to owners. Better arrival planning and reduced idle consumption can support cost and emissions performance at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good CII rating?

A is the highest rating, followed by B, C, D and E under the IMO framework.

Is CII based only on ship design?

No. CII is an operational annual indicator; EEXI is the related technical efficiency measure for existing ships.

Can voyage optimisation improve CII?

Operational measures such as speed and arrival planning, reduced waiting, hull and propeller condition and efficient machinery use can affect carbon intensity, subject to the vessel and trade.

Primary sources