Maritime shipping is under increasing pressure to measurably reduce its CO₂ emissions. With the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the operational efficiency rating CII – often referred to as „UEFI“ in German – the IMO has created globally applicable framework conditions. At the same time, two further sets of regulations are coming into force in the EU with emissions trading (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime, which will gradually become mandatory from 2024 and 2025 respectively.
EEXI assesses whether the design of an existing ship – including engine power, speed and capacity – meets a defined efficiency standard. The rule applies to seagoing ships of 400 GT or more and must be verified once per ship, usually in the course of a periodic survey.
Typical measures for complying with EEXI:
The CII assesses the actual carbon intensity of a ship annually based on the cargo transported and the distance travelled. It applies to ships of 5,000 GT or more engaged in international traffic.
The annual rating is based on a scale from A to E. Anyone who receives a D three times in a row or an E once must submit a corrective action plan and will be monitored more closely.
Typical operational levers:
Since 2025, limits have been in place in EU waters for the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used. Compliance can be achieved, for example, through alternative fuels, shore power (OPS) or pooling.
EU emissions trading has applied to large ships since 2024. Companies must have their emissions verified annually and submit emissions allowances (EUAs). The amount to be submitted will increase to 100 % by 2027.
The goal: a combined system of design, operation, energy and market incentives.
Comparison of the most important climate and efficiency regulations in shipping – as of 2025
| set of rules | Focus | validity | Result | Sanctions / Consequences | Typical measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEXI | Technical efficiency (design) | Worldwide (IMO) | Index value, once per ship | No proof, no travel authorisation | EPL, fuselage/propeller optimisation |
| UEFI / CII | Operational efficiency (operations) | Worldwide (IMO) | Annual rating A–E | D × 3 or E → Correction plan | Speed management, utilisation, routing |
| FuelEU Maritime | CO₂ intensity of energy | EU (from 2025) | annual GHG intensity | Penalties for non-compliance | Alternative fuels, OPS |
| EU Emissions Trading Scheme | CO₂ pricing | EU (from 2024) | tCO₂e + certificate levy | Fines, risks of withdrawal | MRV, EUA procurement, carbon accounting |
Technology alone is not enough – only with intelligent route planning can you achieve CII goals.
EEXI assesses the technical efficiency of an existing ship as a one-off compliance measure. UEFI/CII assesses annual operational efficiency and assigns an A–E rating.
No, only for ships of 5,000 GT or more engaged in international traffic. Smaller vessels are exempt.
Emissions related to the EU must be covered by certificates. The costs depend on the amount of emissions, the proportion of the route and the market price.
A decreasing limit value for GHG intensity. Achievable through alternative fuels, shore power and/or pooling.
Once a year. Poor ratings lead to corrective plans and increased monitoring.
EEXI (design) and UEFI/CII (operation) form the international framework. FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS are creating additional pressure to act in Europe. Those who invest today will reap long-term benefits: stable ratings, avoided penalties and genuine competitive advantages.
For an individual assessment of your fleet and trades, we recommend a personalised quote.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been carefully researched but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the topicality, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
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Why these rules are important now Maritime shipping is under increasing pressure to measurably reduce its CO₂ emissions. With the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the operational efficiency rating CII – often referred to as „UEFI“ in German – the IMO has created globally applicable framework conditions. At the same time, emissions trading (EU […]
