Introduction to FuelEU Maritime Regulation
The FuelEU Maritime Regulation is a cornerstone of the European Union’s “Fit for 55” package, a bold policy initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious agenda is not just a step towards regulatory compliance but a vital pathway for the maritime industry to contribute to the EU’s long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
As a key part of the global effort to combat climate change, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation targets one of the largest contributors to global emissions—the shipping industry. It promotes the use of sustainable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, helping to create a future where shipping companies can achieve both profitability and sustainability.
This regulation applies to ships over 5,000 gross tonnage (GT) that operate in and out of ports within the jurisdiction of an EU member state. It sets out a clear framework for monitoring, reporting, and verifying compliance with greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity reduction targets. Ultimately, it incentivises shipping companies to transition to sustainable fuels, a change that benefits both their business and the environment.
What is the FuelEU Certificate of Compliance?
The FuelEU Certificate of Compliance is more than just a regulatory document—it’s a marker of leadership in sustainable shipping. From January 2025, all ships operating within the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) must obtain this certificate, demonstrating their adherence to the greenhouse gas intensity reduction targets set by the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Compliance is a critical step toward reducing the maritime industry's environmental footprint while positioning forward-thinking operators to capitalise on a more sustainable future.
Requirements for Obtaining FuelEU Certificate
To obtain the FuelEU certificate of compliance, shipping companies must meet several key requirements outlined in the FuelEU Maritime Regulation:
1. Use certified sustainable low-carbon fuels: Ships must use fuels that meet the EU's sustainability criteria and have a lower life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity compared to traditional fossil fuels.
2. Meet annual GHG intensity reduction targets: The regulation sets gradual targets for reducing the GHG intensity of energy used on-board ships, starting from 2025 and becoming more stringent towards 2050.
3. Submit a verified emissions report: Shipping companies must prepare and submit an annual emissions report, verified by an accredited third-party verifier, detailing the ship's fuel consumption, emissions, and compliance with the GHG intensity reduction targets.
4. Obtain certification from accredited verifiers: The FuelEU certificate is issued by independent verifiers accredited by the European Commission, such as classification societies, once they have assessed and confirmed the ship's compliance with the regulation's requirements.
