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BIMCO has released ‘The Step-by-Step Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Manual’ in association with Fathom Shipping.

The manual, which can be utilized as a ship’s official Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), has been developed to enable ship owners to plan, manage and document the energy efficiency performance of their ships. SEEMP regulation becomes mandatory from January 2013.

SEEMP, designed by the IMO to encourage best practices for the fuel efficient operation of ships, is a requirement for all owners and operators of ships over 400 gross tons (GT) to detail measures that are being implemented to reduce fuel consumption and thus lower greenhouse gases and other emissions.

Lars Robert Pedersen [pictured], Deputy Secretary General, BIMCO commented: "BIMCO supported the SEEMP regulation to enable ship-owners to better optimise their energy consumption. We do not believe, however, there is necessarily any need to pay substantial amounts to third parties to prepare SEEMPs. ‘The Step-by-Step SEEMP Manual’ gives ship-owners and operators a one-stop solution that allows them to easily create ship-specific plans in-house. It is our view that a simple SEEMP implemented effectively is better than a complicated document that may not be followed."

The manual includes clear templates on an accompanying CD which can be populated and then printed off to make up a ship specific SEEMP programme. These are placed at the front of the professionally presented hard-backed binder and this acts as the official SEEMP.

‘The Step-by-Step SEEMP Manual’ is available online at fathomshipping.com at a price of GBP130, or a reduced price of GBP100 for BIMCO members.