CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator)
How to read annual CII and the A–E rating, establish applicability and respond to three consecutive D ratings or one E with a corrective-action plan in SEEMP.
Operational Explanation
CII relates operational CO₂ to a conventional measure of capacity and distance. The attained annual value is compared with the required value; the A–E rating depends on ship-category boundaries. Required CII is the midpoint of the C band, not a universal C/D boundary.
MEPC.412(84), adopted on 1 May 2026, confirms the conventional denominator: ship capacity × total annual distance. Capacity is DWT for the cargo categories listed in G1 and GT for cruise passenger and specified ro-ro categories. Actual transport-work data collected under DCS do not replace this denominator in annual CII. CII G1, 4.2.
Regulatory Reference
Scope of Application
From 5,000 GT, within chapter 4 and the categories expressly referenced by regulation 28.1: bulk carrier, gas carrier, tanker, containership, general cargo, refrigerated cargo, combination carrier, LNG carrier, ro-ro cargo (including vehicle carrier), ro-ro passenger and cruise passenger ship as defined in regulation 2. The generic description “passenger ship” is insufficient.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Check category, tonnage and applicability before selecting the formula and rating boundaries.
- Reconcile consumption, conversion factors and total distance. Total distance is not just under-way distance; use only relevant, documented adjustments.
- Calculate required CII using the annual reduction factor, then compare attained CII using the category’s G4 boundaries.
- Report annual CII to the Administration or authorised organisation within three months after year-end.
- Following three consecutive D ratings or one E, submit revised SEEMP with corrective actions within one month after reporting CII; implement the actions and retain evidence.
Practical Example
Training example. A ship rated D, C, D has not received three consecutive D ratings; one rated D, D, D meets the regulation 28.7 trigger. One E rating meets it in a single year. In every case, management should examine the causes of performance, not only the colour of the result.
What Typically Goes Wrong
A provisional onboard indicator is not the verified annual rating. Incorrect cargo data may undermine transport-work reporting but does not justify substituting actual cargo for the conventional capacity in the CII formula.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Treating a single D as three consecutive D ratings | The corrective-action obligation is misstated | Read the annual sequence and distinguish the E trigger. |
| Using under-way distance as total distance | The denominator and result may be distorted | Reconcile the separate fields before calculating. |
What the PSCO Checks
Keep the applicable annual Statement of Compliance and required SEEMP available. For D/D/D or E cases, check that the corrective plan and its verification are documented: regulation 6.7 links issuance of the Statement to that verification. A rating alone is not an automatic detention rule.
Operational Tips
- Use an internal forecast alongside the annual result, clearly marked as an estimate.
- Retain calculation versions and reasons for adjustments.
- Assess speed, waiting time, consumption and operating conditions without compromising safety to improve an indicator.
Preparation checklist
- CII category confirmed.
- Consumption and total distance reconciled.
- Correct annual factor and G4 boundaries used.
- Rating sequence checked.
- Corrective plan and verification documents present where required.
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint dd61b6c3826a