As the maritime sector prepares for the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, a new Commission document answers key questions on its implementation.
The Regulation supports the transition towards more sustainable transport by mandating the gradual uptake of renewable and low-carbon fuels and the use of onshore power supply in ports to reduce greenhouse emissions and air pollution from the maritime shipping sector. The Regulation will apply in full from 1 January 2025, while its Articles 8 and 9 on monitoring plans will apply from 31 August 2024.
The uniform application of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation to all commercial ships above 5,000GT calling at EU ports will ensure all stakeholders in the maritime value chain are treated equally, including shipping companies, competent authorities, verifiers, accreditation companies, port authorities, equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, and bunkering operators.
The Q&A reflects the questions put forward by stakeholders. It covers definitions of terms used, issues linked primary obligations and timelines, requirements for energy use on board by ships, onshore power supply, and the certification of fuels and emission factors, among other topics. Further questions and answers, for other Regulation Articles, will be published at a later date.
The questions and answers were prepared by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport and do not commit the European Commission. They do not alter the legal effects of FuelEU Maritime and are without prejudice to the prerogatives of the European Court of Justice, which alone is empowered by the Treaties to interpret Union legislation with binding effect.
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