FuelEU Maritime – how to comply with regulations
What are the key dates on the horizon and what actions need to be taken by shipowners?
- By 31 August 2024 or within two months after first port of call: Company submits FuelEU Monitoring Plan (MP) to an accredited verifier, such as DNV. This plan should contain an assessment of every ship and provide key details on how emissions will be monitored and reported. Note that a change of verifier requires MP re-assessment.
- By 31 January each year: Company provides FuelEU report to verifier. In case of a change of company, a partial report should be verified within 1 month after company transfer.
- By 31 March each year: Verifier records compliant FuelEU report in FuelEU database. This should be a FuelEU full-year report.
- By 30 April each year: Company records advance compliance surplus / compliance banking / notifies pooling intention in FuelEU database. Verifier records composition of vessel pools and approves compliance balance.
- By 30 June each year: Verifier issues FuelEU Document of Compliance. In case a penalty is applicable, the Document of Compliance is issued by Authorities after receipt of payment.
These steps ensure that shipowners are in compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations.
What is the best way to ensure compliance?
Use energy sources of lower WtW GHG intensity:
- Sustainable biofuels
- Renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) (e.g. e-methanol)
- Recycled carbon fuels (RCF)
- Fossil LNG/LPG
- Shore power
- Wind assisted propulsion
Use the flexibility mechanisms:
- Borrow an advance compliance surplus from next year (maximum 2%, not allowed for two consecutive periods)
- Include ship’s compliance balance in a pool of ships (including with other companies)
Or pay penalty:
Not complying with WtW GHG Intensity target from 2025 will result in a penalty of 2400 EUR per tonne-VLSFO-equivalent.