SEEMP framework, planning and identification of ship’s EEM
The SEEMP seeks to improve a ship’s energy efficiency through four steps:
- Planning;
- Implementation;
- Monitoring;
- Self-evaluation and improvement.
Figure below provides more detailed aspects of each stage of the cycle. Further description of each stage of the SEEMP cycle follows with reference to both figures (MariEMS 2017).
Figure 13: SEEMP as a 4-step ship energy management (MariEMS 2017)
Planning is the most crucial stage of a SEEMP development. It involves activities such as determination of both: The current status of ship energy usage and the expected improvements. Based on the above and via using further energy reviews or audits, a set of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) are identified and documented as part of the planning phase. The SEEMP planning activities do not stop at identification of EEMs but includes dealing with all aspects of planning for implementation, monitoring and self-assessment of the identified EEMs. Therefore, planning part for ship energy management and SEEMP is crucial and it is essential to devote sufficient time to planning (MariEMS 2017).
The first step in energy management planning is to identify the EEMs for improving the energy efficiency of a ship. It is important to note that there are a variety of options to improve a ship’s efficiency; that the best EEMs for a ship to improve efficiency differs to a great extent for various ship types, cargoes, routes and other factors, As such, it is recommended that the specific EEMs for each ship needs to be defined (MariEMS 2017).