New IMO regulations 2025: What the EEXI standard means for exporters
August 7, 2025
Reading time: 3 minutes
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is tightening its climate targets again in 2025: With the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), stricter limits in the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the expanded Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan III (SEEMP III), the ecological pressure on shipowners, charterers - and above all shippers - is increasing. This guide shows what the new environmental requirements for ship transport in 2025 mean, what deadlines apply and how you can plan your exports for the future.
1 - Introduction - why the IMO roadmap now affects every shipper
By 2030, the CO₂ fleet intensity should be at least 40 % below the 2008 level. From 1 January 2025, the EEXI limits will fall by a further 5 %. Ships without a valid certificate risk demurrage or charter bans. For exporters, this means less cargo space and higher green premiums - a clear advantage for companies that plan for the environmental requirements early on.
You can find a practical guide to RoRo shipping here here.
2 - EEXI - redefining technical efficiency
The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index rates each ship (≥ 400 GT) based on engine power, displacement, design speed and year of construction.
Attained EEXI - real efficiency value
Required EEXI 2025 - IMO limits, another 5 % stricter
Gap analysis - shows measures such as EPL, propeller upgrade or wind assistance
3 - CII tightening & SEEMP III - annual CO₂ performance at a glance
In addition to the one-off EEXI, the Carbon Intensity Indicator measures the actual CO₂ intensity per tonne-mile on an annual basis. A rating of D for two years or E for one year requires a Corrective Action Plan from 2025.
The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan III combines monitoring, targets and measures - crucial for shippers in Scope 3 reporting. Find out more at IMO.
4 - Overview of the new requirements
Measure
Focus
Compulsory from
Consequence in case of violation
EEXI
Technology (one-off)
Certificate from 2023, stricter from 2025
Prohibition of departure or charter
CII
Operation (annual)
Rating A-E since 2023
Corrective Plan, flag sanctions
SEEMP III
Management & Reporting
since 2023, update 2025
Harbour/flag penalties
5 - Effects on instalments & route planning
Capacity - Older ships are cancelled or sail more slowly
Freight rates - A/B carriers require green premiums
Transit time - Slow steaming requires a time buffer
CO₂ transparency - Shippers must disclose Scope 3 emissions
7 - Shipowner measures that shippers should be aware of
Technology
CO₂ savings
Effect for shippers
EPL (motor limit)
5-10 %
Longer running time
Propeller nozzles
3-6 %
unchanged
Wind assistance
up to 10 %
Possible harbour restrictions
LNG/Methanol
15-25 %
Low CO₂ factor
AI routing
≈ 5 %
dynamic ETA
8 - FAQ
How do I recognise compliant carriers? EEXI certificate and CII rating (ideally A-C).
Does EEXI apply to feeder vessels < 400 GT? No; CII only applies from 5,000 GT.
What happens with rating "E"? Flag state can decommission the ship - replacement carrier required.
Can I negotiate CO₂ surcharges? Yes - long-term green freight contracts ensure stable rates.
9 - Conclusion
The 2025 environmental regulations bring with them EEXI upgrades, stricter CII limits and SEEMP III. Shippers secure advantages by choosing carriers with A/B ratings, integrating CO₂ clauses and planning time buffers. ODS Orient provides support with fleet checks, reporting and routing strategies.
Disclaimer
All information has been carefully researched but is subject to change. ODS Orient assumes no liability for accuracy and completeness.
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