Three Singapore-flag tankers owned by NYK Bulkship (Asia) Pte. Ltd., and NYK Group company, have been recognized in the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) Green Ship Programme for the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) certification received by these vessels. NBAsia is the first Asian shipping company to receive this recognition.
The three ships — Challenge Premier, Challenge Paragon, and Challenge Polaris — were all built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co. Ltd. and received EEDI certification from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK).
In July, an amendment to MARPOL Annex VI was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandating an EEDI for ships for which (1) the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2013, or (2) in the absence of a building contract, the keel is laid or the ship is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2013; or (3) delivery is on or after 1 July 2015. Different standards apply to different classes of ships, and the standards will be gradually strengthened. The MPA’s Green Ship Program affords preferential treatment, including a reduction of port charges, to Singapore-flag vessels that achieve the IMO’s EEDI standard earlier than required.
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World Maritime News Staff, December 10, 2011