‘Big opportunity’ for bunker traders, suppliers on upcoming FuelEU regulation, forecasts OceanScore

Bunker traders and suppliers could enjoy a huge market advantage if they start preparing for the upcoming FuelEU Maritime (FuelEU) regulation effective 2025, advises Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore.

The firm, which provides solutions for the analysis, management, and compliance of maritime emissions, says FuelEU sets well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity requirements on energy used on board ships over 5,000 GT trading in the EU.

“FuelEU is a global regulation issued by Europe and all ships calling Europe are affected by it,” Albrecht Grell, Managing Director, of OceanScore told Manifold Times.

“The regulation aims to increase the share of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the fuel mix of international maritime transport in the EU.”

Grell explained EU has set a threshold for carbon dioxide (CO2) vessel emissions from marine fuels, and the “big opportunity” lies in having players in the bunker sector source for the right type of fuel to market before FuelEU takes effect from 2025.

“Stakeholders will have a pay a penalty of EUR 2,400 per metric tonne (pmt) of VLSFO equivalent to the EU when they generate emissions above the EU Emissions target, from 2025 so it helps greatly when the supplier can source and provide the right bunker fuel for their clients,” he said.

“Shipowners can avoid a fine by using LNG or LPG due to both fuels likely generating compliance surpluses. Fossil Methanol is disastrous from a well-to-tank perspective due to its low energy efficiency but many biofuels present advantages.”

According to Grell, the EU only recognises certain biofuel blends as green. Biofuels made from palm oil are normally not acceptable and the “real trick” is to find waste cooking oil which is legal under FuelEU.

“There will be great opportunity for bunker traders and suppliers to start venturing into biofuels especially the clean biofuels from newer feedstock to help shipowners avoid the EUR 2,400 penalties which will go up when the regulation gets stricter after 2030,” he said.

“Shipowners, in turn, could for example save one tank of accepted, low carbon biofuel and only use it for voyages within Europe, using other fuels on their voyage outside of or to Europe.”

Obligations related to FuelEU will start from 1 January 2025 onwards.

Photo credit: OceanScore
Published: 24 April 2024