FuelEU Maritime regulation
Introduction
What is FuelsEU Maritime?
This is a European regulation that establishes targets for reducing the intensity of greenhouse gases from energy used on ships operating in the EU or in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Who does it apply to?
The rules apply to all commercial ships over 5,000 gross tons, intended for transporting passengers and/or cargo, regardless of their flag.
Exceptions include fishing or fish processing vessels, as well as military and government vessels.
What type of energy is covered?
- 100% of the energy used by ships docking in an EU/EEA port for intra-EU/EEA (intra-EU) travel;
- 50% da energia utilizada em viagens de e/ou para portos da UE (extra-UE/EEE);
- 100% of energy used when ships are berthed in EU/EEA ports.
What types of emissions are considered?
The targets cover not only carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but also methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions throughout the entire life cycle of the fuels, considering the Well to Wake principle.
Rules
1.
Maximum limits for the annual greenhouse gas intensity of energy used by a ship, which become more ambitious over time.
Image: Reducing emissions by 2050 (Dan-Bunkering, 2024)
2.
Mandatory use of alternative energy sources in ports: ships must rely on onshore power supply (OPS) or zero-emission technologies while at berth.
Image: OPS (Maritime Economy Forum Gdynia)
Reporting obligations
Planning
The companies submitted monitoring plans for each ship in their fleet until August 2024.
Monitoring
From 1 January 2025, companies must record data on each of their ships’ arrivals and departures in EU ports:
- Ports of departure and arrival, with dates and times, including duration of stay at the pier;
- OPS connection or relevant exceptions application, detailing fuel consumption at the dock and at sea;
- Amount of electricity received through OPS;
- Emission factors for each type of fuel used;
- Quantity of each type of alternative energy source consumed, both at the pier and at sea;
- If applicable, the ship’s icebreaker class and information about voyages undertaken in ice conditions.
Annual report
By January 31st of each year, companies must send a report to the responsible entity, containing the data collected for each ship.
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