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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced that it has earned the world's first certification for its Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

The Japanese shipping firm said today that its SEEMP, which has been in place since the start of the year, has been certified with a statement of compliance by the international classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Effective December 5th, the certification verifies the plan, which includes MOL's application for calculating its Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) in accordance with SEEMP guidance and guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The MOL SEEMP uses its own unique EEOI calculation method - in addition to the one suggested by the IMO - which the company says is an effective way of identifying problems and confirming the effectiveness of improvements.

The SEEMP also features the use of innovative technologies such as the optimum trim backed by onboard and onshore demonstration tests, and the selection of optimum routes using weather information support systems.

MOL said the ABS certification had served as an objective evaluation of MOL's energy-saving ship operation activities by an independent third party.

The SEEMP forms part of MOL's environmental strategy which includes a target reduction in CO2 emissions of 10 percent between 2009 and 2015.

Summary of MOL's Environmental Achievements

In January 2011, MOL introduced its Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), which the company says provides 'the most efficient vessel operation method' by using slow steaming, optimum route selection, appropriate maintenance and taking into account ocean currents, and weather conditions in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions whilst also ensuring safe operation and maintaining a strict operation schedule.

MOL also established the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) for tankers, which indicates the CO2 produced in grammes per mile to transport 1 tonne of cargo, based on actual vessel operation, as an index to verify the SEEMP's effectiveness.

MOL has promoted the Sempaku ISHIN project, an environment-friendly, next-generation vessel concept since 2009, taking a proactive approach to the development and introduction of technologies to reduce CO2 emissions.

The company has also taken other measures to reduce the environmental burden of its operations. Earlier this year MOL, announced the joint development, along with Akasaka Diesels Limited, of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for vessels that use marine heavy fuel oil.

In 2010, MOL voluntarily enrolled two of its vessels, the MOL Endowment and MOL Experience, in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Ocean Going Vessel Low Sulphur Fuel Program.