EDF proposes making IMO carbon rating information publicly accessible
Environmental Defense Fund, which was designated as a consultative member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) two years ago, is proposing that the IMO Data Collection System (IMO DCS) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings be made publicly accessible.
The proposal has been made leading up to the 82nd meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) which begins September 30th.
IMO DCS information is currently obtainable in aggregate and anonymized forms only. EDF is suggesting that increased data transparency would facilitate more sustainable commercial decisions and provide more support for vessels that are high performing in terms of reducing greenhouse gases (GHG).
EDF notes that while the IMO DCS is in its sixth year of reporting, stakeholders have been unable to leverage the information to date in making key decisions, which the nonprofit organization says has slowed progress in achieving GHG reductions. EDF suggests that greater accessibility to the verified IMO DCS data would lead to useful insights about the global fleet which would facilitate more sustainable commercial decisions, as well as support evidence-based discussions at the IMO.
To EDF’s knowledge, no freely accessible source provides the verified ship CII ratings (Carbon Intensity Indicator) at present, which the organization says makes it difficult for various administrations and port authorities to provide incentives to top-rated green vessels. In EDF’s view, the lack of access to the rating data has made it difficult for action-oriented stakeholders to incentivize A or B CII classed ships.