Answer
The International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) is a mandatory statutory certificate required under MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5.4 for ships of 400 GT and above engaged in international voyages.
Prerequisites for IEEC IssuanceTo obtain an IEEC from the Flag Administration or a Recognized Organization (RO), a vessel must satisfy specific statutory prerequisites based on its age, ship type, and GT.
1. SEEMP Verification (Mandatory for ALL Ships ≥400 GT)
SEEMP Part I: The vessel must have a ship-specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP Part I) on board that meets IMO guidelines (Res. MEPC.346(78)).
SEEMP Parts II & III (if ≥5,000 GT): Ships subject to the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) must have their SEEMP Parts II and III verified by the Administration/RO, evidenced by a valid Confirmation of Compliance (CoC) on board.
2. EEDI Compliance (For New Ships)
Application: Applies to "New Ships" (typically built/contracted after January 1, 2013, subject to Phase thresholds).
Prerequisites:
Calculation of the Attained EEDI demonstrating that it is less than or equal to the Required EEDI for that ship type and size.
An approved EEDI Technical File submitted to and verified by Class/Flag during the initial survey.
3. EEXI Compliance (For Existing Ships)
Application: Applies to existing ships of ≥400 GT (subject to specified ship types) under Chapter 4 of Annex VI.
Prerequisites:
Calculation of the Attained EEXI proving it meets or beats the Required EEXI.
An approved EEXI Technical File on board.
If the vessel uses power limitation to comply, an approved Onboard Management Manual (OMM) for Engine Power Limitation (EPL) or Shaft Power Limitation (SHaPoLi) must be installed and verified during survey.
4. Satisfactory Initial Energy Efficiency Survey
A surveyor from the Flag State or Recognized Organization (RO) must conduct an initial survey under MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5.4.1 to physically verify:
That the technical files (EEDI/EEXI) match actual on-board machinery and hull parameters.
That power limitation systems (if fitted) are properly sealed and documented.
That the approved SEEMP is physically present, ship-specific, and implemented.
Validity: The IEEC is valid for the lifetime of the ship (it does not expire and has no mandatory annual endorsement surveys like the IAPP).
Re-issuance Conditions: A new IEEC must be issued if the vessel undergoes a Major Conversion (e.g., substantial change in dimensions, capacity, propulsion power ≥5%, or ship type) requiring recalculation and re-survey of EEDI/EEXI.