Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that the company has established a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and started its use with the MOL tanker fleet.
The SEEMP aims to provide the most efficient method of vessel operation (optimum route selection, appropriate maintenance and vessel speed) to reduce CO2 emissions while ensuring safe operation and maintaining a strict operation schedule.
Initially, the SEEMP was initiated by MOL Tankship Management (Europe) then provided for all vessels managed by the MOL tanker division's in-house companies effective January 1, 2011 to ensure ongoing improvement in energy efficiency by following the plan-do-check-action (PDCA) cycle.
MOL also established the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) for tankers, which indicates CO2 grams per mile transport of one-tonne cargo, based on actual vessel operation, as an index to verify the SEEMP's effectiveness. While conducting self monitoring, MOL and vessels will set CO2 emissions reduction targets to pursue improved energy efficiency in line with the SEEMP plan.
In October 2010, the 61st session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee agreed in principle on compulsory steps to adopt the SEEMP on vessels. In addition, guidelines on energy efficiency and fuel management were issued at the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) made up of major oil companies, reflecting key customers' requests for improvements in tanker fuel efficiency.