Get to know FuelEU Maritime
FuelEU Maritime is a regulation that entered into force on 1 January 2025 and was adopted by the EU to increase the share of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the fuel mix of international maritime transport within the EU. Discover the details of this regulation below and find out how DNV can support you.
How does FuelEU Maritime work?
FuelEU Maritime sets requirements on the annual average GHG intensity of energy used by ships trading within the EU or European Economic Area (EEA). This intensity is measured as GHG emissions per energy unit (gCO2e/MJ) and, in turn, GHG emissions are calculated in a well-to-wake perspective. The calculation takes into account emissions related to the extraction, cultivation, production and transportation of fuel, in addition to emissions from energy used on board the ship.
The baseline for the calculation is the average well-to-wake GHG intensity of the fleet in 2020: 91.16 gCO2e/MJ. This will start at a 2% reduction in 2025, increasing to 6% in 2030, and accelerating from 2035 to reach an 80% reduction by 2050.
Good to know: The GHG intensity requirement applies to 100% of energy used on voyages and port calls within the EU or EEA, and 50% of energy used on voyages into or out of the EU or EEA or voyages to or from an outermost region.
Please note that FuelEU is not yet included in the EEA agreement. Port calls in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are currently considered as calls in non-member ports.
In addition, it requires passenger and container ships to use onshore power supplies at all relevant ports from 2030, when at berth for more than two hours. Exceptions to the requirements to connect to shore power are explained in our FAQ section. From 1 January 2035, container and passenger ships must connect to shore power in all ports where shore power is available.
A plan of action for shipowners
- Submit a FuelEU Monitoring Plan to an accredited verifier, such as DNV.
This plan should outline how emissions will be monitored and reported for each ship. - Start monitoring and reporting FuelEU Maritime data from the applicable reporting period.
This includes fuel consumption, emissions, and relevant operational data. (Aligned with regulation start and continuous reporting requirements) - Ensure verification of partial reports in case of a change of company.
A partial report should be verified within one month after the company transfer. - Submit the annual FuelEU report to the verifier by 31 January each year.
- Ensure the verified report is recorded in the FuelEU Maritime database by 31 March each year.
- Have the compliance balance approved and any flexibility mechanisms applied by 30 April each year.
- Ensure the FuelEU Document of Compliance is issued and carried on board by 30 June each year.
Any applicable penalties must be settled before issuance.
To find out more about how you can comply with FuelEU Maritime, click on the Compliance tab.
Rely on DNV for FuelEU Maritime support
DNV supports ship operators at every stage of your FuelEU Maritime journey. This starts with our user-friendly and efficient FuelEU Monitoring Plan online form, which is available to all companies and containing everything ship operators need to prepare for FuelEU Maritime.
For more information, see the Services and Commercial tabs.