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Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has today announced that the company has established the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and started its use within the MOL tanker fleet.

According to MOL, the SEEMP 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 has 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.

While conducting self-monitoring, MOL vessels will also set CO2 emissions reduction targets in order to pursue improved energy efficiency in line with its SEEMP plan.

In October 2010, the 61st session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) agreed in principle on compulsory steps to adopt the SEEMP on vessels. In addition, guidelines on energy efficiency and fuel management were issued at the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) made up of major oil companies, reflecting key customers' requests for improvements in tanker fuel efficiency.

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.

Also 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.

Commenting on the SEEMP launch, MOL said: "The development and introduction of SEEMPs for all ship types, starting with tankers, marks a major step forward in MOL's environmental initiatives. This will achieve safe, high energy efficient vessel operation, with the aim of achieving the target of reducing CO2 emissions per ton-mile by 10% in 2015 compared to FY2009, set forth in the midterm management plan."