Carbon Intensity Indicator

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is an operational indicator that measures how efficiently a ship transports passengers and/or goods. It is a mandatory measure for all cargo, Ro-Pax, and cruise vessels over 5,000 GT (gross tons) and trading internationally.

Its value, given in grams of carbon dioxide emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile, is influenced by the type of fuel used, ship efficiency and operating parameters, such as ship speed, cargo capacity (DWT), weather and vessel conditions.

The ship is then given a rating on a scale of A, B, C, D, or E, where A represents the best performance level. Each ship needs to achieve a C rating or better. In the event of having a D rating for three consecutive years or an E rating one year, a corrective action plan to be on target should be developed and implemented.

The CII is evaluated annually – starting in January 2023 – with more restrictive emission limits each year.

Retrofitting a ship with eSAILs not only improves the CII rating, but also expands the lifetime of vessels that otherwise would have become non-compliant.