EEXI and Engine Power Limitation (EPL)
How to verify EEXI and manage EPL/ShaPoLi: calculation, technical file, power reserve and manoeuvring documents, keeping technical efficiency separate from annual CII.
Operational Explanation
EEXI describes the ship’s technical energy efficiency. The attained value is compared with the required value, where applicable. It is not annual CII: EEXI compliance does not guarantee a good operational rating.
Engine power limitation (EPL) or shaft power limitation (ShaPoLi) is one possible solution, not a requirement for every ship. Calculation uses the verified configuration and the parameters specified in MEPC.350(78): informally reducing engine speed is not equivalent to installing an approved system. Reduced power also changes the operational capability to consider when planning a voyage.
Override access must remain available when needed: if the system uses a password or PIN, verify availability to the master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. The procedure must permit timely safety action while distinguishing precautionary un-limiting from actual use above the limit. MEPC.390(81), 2.2.1 and 3.3.
Regulatory Reference
- MARPOL Annex VI: regulations 5.4.7–5.4.8, 19, 23, 25 (MEPC.328(76))
- MEPC.350(78): EEXI calculation, section 2
- MEPC.351(78): verification, sections 2.1, 4.2–4.3
- MEPC.335(76): EPL/ShaPoLi, sections 2–5
- MEPC.375(80): power-reserve records and notification
- MEPC.390(81): precautionary override and manoeuvring information
Scope of Application
Chapter 4 generally starts at 400 GT, but EEXI applicability also depends on category, capacity and propulsion: check VI/19, VI/23 and the VI/25 table. The scope of attained and required EEXI is not automatically identical. Chapter-wide exclusions and specific propulsion/polar-ship exclusions must be checked separately.
Initial verification was linked to the first relevant survey from 1 January 2023 (VI/5.4.7). This is not a general annual recalculation; a major conversion may require further verification and recalculation (VI/5.4.8).
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Document applicability and collect the power, capacity, specific fuel consumption and speed-power data usable in the calculation.
- Compare attained and required EEXI. If an already verified EEDI satisfies required EEXI, confirm with the verifier which documentation can be used.
- Prepare the EEXI Technical File; when using EPL/ShaPoLi, have the installation and Onboard Management Manual (OMM) verified by the Administration or its authorized organization.
- Align the IEE Certificate and supplement with the verified arrangement. A classification society acts as statutory verifier only when duly authorized.
- Establish onboard responsibilities, override access, records and reset procedures. Update, as applicable, the pilot card, wheelhouse poster and manoeuvring booklet for limited and full power.
Practical Example
Training scenario. Before encountering a hazardous situation, the master orders precautionary un-limiting, but power remains within the limit. This is not actual use of the reserve: the event, power used and reset are recorded in the bridge/engine-room logbooks under MEPC.390(81). The distinction must be supported by data, not merely by the event’s label.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Treating override as a commercial margin for recovering delays, or preventing override when safety requires it. The OMM should make responsibilities and restoration clear; it does not replace the master’s judgement.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Using the power reserve to recover commercial delays. | Use outside the safety purposes provided for override. | Plan the voyage on limited power; follow the OMM and safety criteria. |
| Confusing precautionary override with actual reserve use. | Records and notifications do not represent the actual event. | Compare recorded power, the verified limit and the reset timeline. |
What the PSCO Checks
Verification links the IEE Certificate, Technical File, OMM and installed system: settings, safeguards, records and defects. Prepare consistent evidence, not just a valid certificate. Statutory checks follow the authority’s remit; this checklist is a training aid.
Operational Tips
- For actual reserve use, retain the OMM record signed by the master and notify the responsible Administration/RO and destination-port authority without delay (MEPC.375(80)).
- Return below the limit and restore the system once safe operation is possible; obtain Administration/RO confirmation at the earliest opportunity and report defects (MEPC.335(76)).
- Assess the voyage impact of limited power with operations staff; do not re-label commercial pressure as a safety reason.
Preparation checklist
- Applicability and attained/required comparison documented.
- Technical File, IEE and OMM match the installation.
- Master and watchkeeping officer understand override access and responsibilities.
- Events, notifications and resets are traceable.
- Manoeuvring information updated for both configurations.
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint cb92b8dae597