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CII Checker

IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator rating calculator

Free Tool
IMO Compliance ToolInternational Maritime Organization

Carbon Intensity IndicatorCII Checker

Calculate and assess your vessel's CII rating in compliance with IMO MEPC regulations. Track carbon intensity performance against international standards and plan your decarbonization strategy.

CII Rating

E

Inferior

Annual CO2

43.6kt

160.0k trees to offset

Compliance

Non-Compliant

7% reduction target (2024)

CII Value

17.4

vs 9.3 required

Assessment Year: 2024
Ship Type: Container Ship
Reduction Target: 7%
CII Calculator
Enter vessel parameters to calculate Carbon Intensity Indicator

Cargo ships that carry all of their load in containers for efficient handling

Range: 10,000 - 250,000

CII Rating Results

Current Rating

E
Inferior

CII Value

17.44

gCO2/dwt-nmile

Required CII

9.25

(7% reduction)

Performance Ratio188.4%
Superior (A)Reference LineInferior (E)

Non-Compliant - Immediate Action

Submit corrective action plan to flag administration

2025 Projection
Required CII:9.06
⚠️ 48.1% reduction needed to maintain rating
Understanding CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator)

The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) represents a groundbreaking regulatory mechanism introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to measure and improve the carbon efficiency of ships. As part of the IMO's broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, the CII framework came into effect on January 1, 2023, making it one of the most significant environmental regulations in maritime history.

The CII is expressed as grams of CO2 emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile traveled. For most ship types, this translates to grams of CO2 per deadweight ton-nautical mile (gCO2/dwt-nm), while passenger ships use gross tonnage instead. This metric captures the essential relationship between cargo transported, distance covered, and emissions generated, providing a comprehensive view of a ship's operational efficiency.

What makes CII particularly significant is its universal applicability. All ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages must calculate and report their CII, covering bulk carriers, gas carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo ships, refrigerated cargo carriers, combination carriers, LNG carriers, and Ro-Ro vessels. This broad scope ensures that the regulation affects a substantial portion of the global fleet.

The rating system assigns a grade from A to E based on how the ship's attained CII compares to the required annual operational CII. A rating of A or B indicates superior or good performance, while C represents moderate performance meeting the minimum requirements. Ratings D and E trigger compliance requirements, including the development of corrective action plans. This graduated approach provides both recognition for good performers and a clear pathway for improvement for underperformers.

The maritime industry is responsible for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions, and the CII regulation represents a critical step toward decarbonization. By establishing clear performance metrics and consequences for non-compliance, the IMO has created a powerful incentive for ship operators to invest in efficiency improvements. The regulation also supports broader industry efforts to meet climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and positions shipping as a responsible contributor to global climate goals.

Annual CO2 Emissions Breakdown

Total Annual CO2

43.60 kt

Equivalent Trees for Offset

159,997.32

Based on 1 tree absorbing ~21 kg CO2/year

Emissions per Nautical Mile

0.87 kg

Ship Type Reference Table
Reference line coefficients and capacity ranges by ship type
Ship TypeCoefficient aCoefficient cReference Line*Capacity Range
Bulk Carrier4,7450.62255.6410,000 - 350,000 DWT
Gas Carrier10,0930.631010.942,000 - 80,000 DWT
Tanker5,2470.61057.104,000 - 300,000 DWT
Container Ship1,9840.48949.9510,000 - 250,000 DWT
General Cargo Ship31,9480.712514.343,000 - 40,000 DWT
Refrigerated Cargo Carrier26,0600.649623.103,000 - 25,000 DWT
Combination Carrier12,1990.629813.394,000 - 200,000 DWT
LNG Carrier9.8270.62000.01100,000 - 250,000 DWT
Ro-Ro Passenger Ship3,2640.62773.671,000 - 60,000 GT
Ro-Ro Cargo Ship17,8070.645016.5910,000 - 50,000 DWT

*Reference line calculated at 50,000 DWT capacity

What is CII?

Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is a measure of a ship's carbon efficiency, expressed in grams of CO2 emitted per cargo-carrying capacity and nautical mile. It's mandatory under IMO's MARPOL Annex VI for ships of 5,000 GT and above engaged in international voyages.

Ships receive an annual rating from A (best) to E (worst) based on their CII performance relative to reference lines. The required CII level becomes more stringent each year, with a 20% reduction target by 2030 compared to 2019.

Rating Scale
A

Superior

≤86% of reference

B

Good

≤94% of reference

C

Moderate

≤106% of reference

D

Lower

≤118% of reference

E

Inferior

>118% of reference

Compliance Requirements
  • A-C Rating: Compliant, no action required
  • D Rating: 3-year limit, then corrective plan needed
  • E Rating: Immediate corrective action plan required
  • Documentation: SEEMP Part III required for all ships
IMO CII Reduction Targets
Annual reduction requirements for reference lines

2019-2022

1-3%

2023

5%

2024

7%

Current

2025

9%

2026-2029

11-17%

2030

20%

Pro Tips
  • Start monitoring CII early - reference lines tighten every year
  • Slow steaming is the fastest way to improve CII rating
  • Consider charter party clauses that share CII improvement benefits
  • Use voyage optimization software to reduce fuel consumption
  • Plan hull cleaning schedule around CII critical periods
Common Mistakes
  • Not preparing SEEMP Part III in time
  • Ignoring CII until rating drops to D or E
  • Focusing only on fuel efficiency, ignoring operational factors
  • Not considering CII in charter negotiations
  • Underestimating impact of waiting times and port congestion
Frequently Asked Questions