4.1.1 Planning is the most crucial stage of
the SEEMP, in that it primarily determines both the current
status of ship energy usage and the expected improvement of
ship energy efficiency. Therefore, it is encouraged to
devote sufficient time to planning so that the most
appropriate, effective and implementable plan can be
developed.
Ship-specific measures
4.1.2 Recognizing that there are a variety of
options to improve efficiency – speed optimization, weather
routeing and hull maintenance, for example – and that the
best package of measures for a ship to improve efficiency
differs to a great extent depending upon ship type, cargoes,
routes and other factors, the specific measures for the ship
to improve energy efficiency should be identified in the
first place. These measures should be listed as a package of
measures to be implemented, thus providing the overview of
the actions to be taken for that ship.
4.1.3 During this process, therefore, it is
important to determine and understand the ship's current
status of energy usage. The SEEMP then identifies
energy-saving measures that have been undertaken, and
determines how effective these measures are in terms of
improving energy efficiency. The SEEMP also identifies what
measures can be adopted to further improve the energy
efficiency of the ship. It should be noted, however, that
not all measures can be applied to all ships, or even to the
same ship under different operating conditions and that some
of them are mutually exclusive. Ideally, initial measures
could yield energy (and cost) saving results that then can
be reinvested into more difficult or expensive efficiency
upgrades identified by the SEEMP.
4.1.4 Guidance on Best Practices for
Fuel-Efficient Operation of Ships set out in chapter 5, can
be used to facilitate this part of the planning phase. Also,
in the planning process, particular consideration should be
given to minimize any onboard administrative burden.
Company-specific measures
4.1.5 The improvement of energy efficiency of
ship operation does not necessarily depend on single ship
management only. Rather, it may depend on many stakeholders
including ship repair yards, shipowners, operators,
charterers, cargo owners, ports and traffic management
services. For example, "Just in time" – as explained in 5.5
– requires good early communication among operators, ports
and traffic management service. The better coordination
among such stakeholders is, the more improvement can be
expected. In most cases, such coordination or total
management is better made by a company rather than by a
ship. In this sense, it is recommended that a company also
establish an energy management plan to manage its fleet
(should it not have one in place already) and make necessary
coordination among stakeholders.
Human resource development
4.1.6 For effective and steady implementation
of the adopted measures, raising awareness of and providing
necessary training for personnel both on shore and on board
are an important element. Such human resource development is
encouraged and should be considered as an important
component of planning as well as a critical element of
implementation.
Goal setting
4.1.7 The last
part of planning is goal setting. It should be emphasized
that the goal setting is voluntary, that there is no need to
announce the goal or the result to the public, and that
neither a company nor a ship are subject to external
inspection. The purpose of goal setting is to serve as a
signal which involved people should be conscious of, to
create a good incentive for proper implementation, and then
to increase commitment to the improvement of energy
efficiency. The goal can take any form, such as the annual
fuel consumption or a specific target of Energy Efficiency
Operational Indicator (EEOI). Whatever the goal is, the goal
should be measurable and easy to understand.