Photo: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock
The European Council has adopted the so-called ‘FuelEU maritime’ regulation to help increase the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime shipping sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The FuelEU legislation is intended to align maritime transport with the EU’s climate targets for 2030 and 2050. Coupled with the shipping sector’s inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading System, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing maritime emissions in the EU.
The main objective of FuelEU maritime is to increase the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels by gradually decreasing the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels burned by ships, starting with a 2% mandatory reduction in 2025 and up to an 80% reduction by 2050. The regulation also includes provisions such as incentives for renewable fuels, exclusion of fossil fuels from certification, on-shore power supply for ships in ports, voluntary pooling for compliance, exceptions for outermost regions and small islands, and revenue allocation for decarbonization projects with monitoring by the Commission.
“The new law will provide legal certainty for ship operators and fuel producers and help kick-start the large-scale production of sustainable maritime fuels, thus substantially delivering on our climate targets at European and global level,” said Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, Spanish Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda.
As of 2021, maritime transport accounted for 3 to 4% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions. The reduction targets will cover emissions of CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide throughout the fuels’ lifecycle.
FuelEU maritime is part of the Fit for 55 package, which aims to reduce the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The bulk of the regulation will apply from January 1, 2025.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,150 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
Container shipping companies like Maersk, CMA CGM and COSCO have ordered hundreds of new vessels in recent years meant to help their industry slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet rising demand from customers and regulators around the globe.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a 180-day ban on the Netherlands-flagged general cargo ship Marsgracht, prohibiting its entry into Australian ports. The action comes in response to recurring...
The UK’s sanctions enforcement agency said it has identified cases where falsified documents are being used to evade a Group of Seven price cap on Russian oil exports.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,150 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
