More renewable and low-carbon fuels will help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution from the EU maritime sector, following the entry into force of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation as of 1 January 2025. The Regulation supports the transition towards a more sustainable transport sector, by mandating the gradual uptake of renewable and low-carbon fuels and the use of onshore power supply in ports from 2030 onwards.
The FuelEU Maritime Regulation sets a requirement to lower the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the energy used on board by all ships above 5,000 gross tonnages calling at EU ports, regardless of the flag they fly. The annual average reduction in GHG intensity will gradually increase over time starting from -2% in 2025 to -80% in 2050 compared to the average in 2020.
The Regulation offers flexibility in choosing the right technologies, fuels, and business models for compliance. It includes a pooling mechanism to help fleets develop effective compliance strategies and to reward early adopters for investing in the energy transition.
Zero-emission requirements for passenger ships and container ships at berth are also included. The Regulation mandates the use of on-shore power supply (OPS) or alternative zero-emission technologies, from 1 January 2030 in EU ports covered by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and, from 1 January 2035 in all EU ports equipped with OPS facilities.
Next steps
From 1 January 2025, companies have to monitor the energy used on board their ships during EU related voyages and stays at EU ports. By 31 January 2026, companies will have to submit the so-called FuelEU Report to their selected verifier that is in charge of overseeing monitoring and reporting activities related to the Regulation. This will serve as the basis of the calculations to determine whether the ship complied with the GHG intensity reduction targets in 2025.
Background
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 90% by 2050, the EU is working to decarbonise the maritime sector through measures like the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, the extension of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) to shipping, and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). It is also collaborating with Member States to develop global measures at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
To help scaling up the production of renewable and low-carbon fuels in Europe, the Commission has dedicated EUR 20 million of EU Allowances to the maritime sector under the EU Innovation Fund. Horizon Europe devotes EUR 530 million for research and innovation through the Zero Emission Waterborne Transport Partnership. Beyond financing, the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Industrial Alliance (RLCF) helps the industry advance the production and supply of clean fuels in the aviation and waterborne sectors.
