The International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) is a statutory certificate issued under MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5.4. It is one of the key instruments introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships and promote sustainable maritime operations.
What is the IEEC?
The IEEC certifies that a ship complies with IMO’s energy efficiency requirements, including the calculation of its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) or Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the implementation of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).
It is a “proof of compliance” document showing that a vessel is operating in line with the IMO’s climate strategy.
Applicability of the IEEC
All ships 400 gross tonnage (GT) and above engaged in international voyages must carry a valid IEEC.
Issued by the Flag State Administration or a Recognized Organization (RO) such as classification societies (e.g., DNV, ABS, LR, ClassNK).
Unlike some other certificates, the IEEC is issued once and remains valid throughout the ship’s life, unless major modifications are made.
Key IMO Requirements Behind the IEEC
- Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
Applies to new ships built after 2013.
Measures how energy efficient a ship is at the design stage.
Calculated in terms of grams of CO₂ emitted per tonne-mile.
- Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
Applies to existing ships from 2023 onwards.
Ensures older ships meet minimum efficiency standards.
May require modifications like engine power limitation (EPL), propeller upgrades, or hull optimization.
- Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)
A mandatory onboard plan describing how the ship will improve operational efficiency.
Includes measures such as:
Speed optimization
Voyage planning
Weather routing
Hull and propeller maintenance
From 2023, SEEMP Part III includes Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) compliance.
- Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
Annual operational efficiency rating from A to E.
Ships rated D for 3 consecutive years or E once must submit a corrective action plan.
The IEEC Certificate and Its Contents
The IEEC typically includes:
Ship particulars (name, IMO number, GT, type, port of registry).
Reference to compliance with EEDI or EEXI.
Confirmation of an approved SEEMP on board.
Date of issue and the issuing authority.
Validity of the IEEC
Issued once for the lifetime of the ship.
Remains valid unless:
The ship undergoes major conversion affecting efficiency.
A change of Flag occurs (requiring re-issuance).
There is a major modification to the propulsion system or hull.
Why the IEEC is Important
- Regulatory Compliance – Mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI; absence may lead to detention by Port State Control (PSC).
- Environmental Responsibility – Supports IMO’s GHG reduction targets (40% by 2030, 70% by 2050).
- Operational Savings – Efficient ships consume less fuel, reducing costs.
- Commercial Advantage – Charterers and cargo owners increasingly prefer energy-efficient vessels.
- Reputation – Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
The International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) is a cornerstone of IMO’s climate regulations. By linking ship design efficiency (EEDI/EEXI) with operational practices (SEEMP and CII), it ensures that vessels not only comply with international standards but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable shipping industry.
