Development of an MCDM framework to facilitate low carbon shipping technology application

Abstract

The aim of 40% CO2 emission reduction by 2030 of the shipping industry has been adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) has become mandatory and served as a guidance for companies in low carbon shipping (LCS). However, the proactive implementation of LCS measures by stakeholders is still undeniably playing a decisive role. Unfortunately, a knowledge gap remains as the manner by which decisions regarding the selection and application of LCS measures can be made appropriately considering multiple criteria. In this paper, we analyze the primary internal and external factors influencing the LCS decisions and propose a problem – solving framework for shipping companies in choosing the most suitable LCS measures for individual ships to implement in diversified conditions. The framework has a generic structure thus researchers, policy makers, and decision-makers can apply it flexibly and diversely. Keywords: Multi-criteria Decision Making, Low Carbon Shipping, Framework, EEDI, SEEMP