Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Impact on Superyacht Design

Abstract

Global environmental agencies and maritime authorities have become increasingly concerned by the environmental impact of CO2 emission. Increasing fleets of super yachts consume ever larger quantities of fossil fuel. Increasing social pressure and new legislative efforts to reduce environmental damage mean that the industry must respond accordingly.

Current yacht design legislation has a focus on occupational safety and the environment. However the legislation surrounding environmental protection has been increasing significantly. Environmental legislation addresses both the protection of the environment in the event of an accident and also on reducing the operational environmental impact.

EEDI or Energy Efficiency Design Index is a new standard, that was set by the IMO (the International Maritime Organization) for new ships greater than 400 GT with some exceptions that can be allowed by Administrative bodies until 2017 (regulation 19.4). The purpose behind the EEDI is to promote innovation from the initial ship design stage in order to reduce energy consumption at full load. It is applicable to many vessels: bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo ships, passenger ships, gas carriers, gen eral cargo and RO-RO vessels. Working class vessels such as offshore supply vessels, tugboats and dredgers are excluded for the present time.

There are no conformations until this point in time whether EEDI will be implemented on yachts. Azimut-Benetti is taking an early initiative to investigate any possibilities for improvement. In such event this could become a driver for sales. As the EEDI is measurable figure, this could become a way for comparing shipyards, hence increasing competition on this field. At the conclusion of this research, Azimut-Benetti Yachts will be presented with guidelines that will assist in calculating the EEDI and selecting the most efficient technologies that optimise both cost and efficiency. Azimut-Benetti has a keen interest in the cost and potential savings over time from implementing the EEDI compared to existing technologies and offer to owner‟s efficient yachts