In 2023, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority (YGPA) conducted a decarbonization study analysing the 3,326 container ships that called at the port in 2022, to assess their progress against the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) measures introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that entered into force in January 2023.
With the support of Clarksons Shipping Intelligence, the survey collected data on the vessels’ expected CII ratings in 2023, CO2 emissions, the year built, deadweight tonnage (DWT) and operation speed (knots). This data showcased that the CII rating of ships calling at YGPA was most commonly A rating, with 1,129 ships (38.3%) receiving this grade. In addition to the CII Rating, the overall compliance rate with the EEXI regulations is as high as 95.8% for ships calling at Gwangyang port.
To further assess the degree of decarbonisation of the vessels calling at YGPA, a comparative analysis was carried out against verified CII Ratings of the fleets of the world’s top 10 container shipping companies. The results highlighted that the CII Ratings of ships calling at Gwangyang Port are higher than the average of the top 10 shipping companies.
These results are further supported by the ongoing efforts of YGPA to help reduce emissions at berth and facilitate the decarbonization of the shipping sector. Activities include:
- The implementation of the 2024 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) programme to reduce fine dust and GHG emissions from ships. In 2023, the participation rate for the VSR program at the port was 80.38% (a total of 3,396 vessels), with a further compliance rate of 82.29%.
- The establishment of an ESG plan aiming to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy by 2030. Through the development of a solar power generation project with a total capacity of 1.7 megawatts, and continued efforts to expand renewable energy facilities through mutual agreements with companies in the YGPA hinterland, the port authority has achieved a 65% self-sufficiency rate from renewable energy in 2023.