Energy efficiency and decarbonization for container fleet in international shipping based on IMO regulatory frameworks: A case study for South Korea

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact and potential of ship’s energy efficiency and decarbonization in Korean container shipping following the IMO regulatory framework. The IMO started implementing the EEXI (Energy Efficiency eXisting-ship Index) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) regulations for the existing vessels on 1 November 2022. The government of South Korea announced a national plan called “the 2030 Greenship-K initiative” to boost the shipbuilding and shipping industries. This plan describes 140 merchant vessels with green ship technologies that will be required for sustainable shipping. The Korean container fleet needs to examine the impact of the IMO regulations through eco-friendly technologies like engine power limitation, energy-saving devices, alternative maritime fuels, etc. It is necessary to select an eco-friendly technology based on the marginal abatement cost for the fleet. Five case studies are considered on which alternative is beneficial for ship decarbonization. The most favorable alternative seems to be an LNG fuel retrofit for the EEXI and CII regulations for the Korean container fleet.