OCIMF has release information paper which provides best practice guidance for managing the risks associated with the implementation and operation of Overridable Power Limitation (OPL) on existing ships. This is a potentially simple and cost-effective way to meet the IMO’s newly introduced Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) regulation.
The IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction targets are designed to support global efforts against climate change. Short-term measures to improve energy efficiency on existing ships include the application of technical-efficiency measures, known as EEXI. When existing designs do not meet the EEXI criteria, shipowners may wish to explore the option of applying an OPL to the maximum continuous rating output of the ship’s propulsion system. This paper covers the two types of OPL: Engine Power Limitation and Shaft Power Limitation.
It must be noted that USCG has also come up with the risk involved and advising to revise the pilot card, St Lawrence Seaway also brought notice for overriding the EPL. Few Australian authority have also issued guidance on this aspect.