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Baseblue: Upcoming maritime regulations raises need for integrated bunkering data

Dionysis Diamantopoulos, Head of Alternative Fuels, shared on the importance of solutions based on integrated bunkering data due to a major round of regulatory frameworks coming into force in 2025.
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Baseblue: Upcoming maritime regulations raises need for integrated bunkering data

Dionysis Diamantopoulos, Head of Alternative Fuels at Baseblue shared with Manifold Times on the need for solutions based on integrated bunkering data and the newfound importance of compliance and inventory management of European Allowances (EUAs) with major upcoming round of regulatory frameworks by IMO and EU:

The past year has marked a significant milestone for the shipping industry. With a major round of regulatory frameworks on the horizon, there is a clear and strong push towards the reduction and ultimate elimination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as prioritised by the IMO and EU. 

Alongside the 2024 EU ETS directive, Fuel EU Maritime comes into force in 2025, ushering in a new era for our industry. Both regulatory frameworks are designed to be gradually phased in, with EU ETS starting with a 40% effect in 2024, moving to 70% in 2025 and 100% in 2026. Fuel EU Maritime is designed in a way that every five years a stricter GHG intensity index will be required from vessels.

In addition to the above European regulations, there are more frameworks that are already in place, like the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), or that will be implemented by the IMO on an international basis after the deliberations and decisions of the upcoming MEPC meetings. One thing is for certain: this new reality will ensure the achievement of the EU and IMO targets for Net Zero emissions by 2050, thereby creating a lasting shift in our industry.

EU ETS requires vessels that are trading intra, and inbound or outbound from the EU to pay their emissions. All emissions that are being reported through the EU MRV for each vessel will be considered for a calendar year and, following verification, the EU authorities will require a payment in European Allowances (EUAs). Shipowners will bear the absolute responsibility for compliance with this regulation and will be required to pay these EUAs to the relevant EU authorities. 

To do this, shipowners would have to open Maritime Operator Holding Accounts where they will gather and surrender/pay the EUAs above. Time Charterers, who are considered the polluters in the case of a time charter, will have to transfer these units to the owners or pay for them in cash, depending on the arrangements between the contractual parties. In case of a non-compliance, fines will be imposed in the value of 100 Euros / EUA unpaid plus the EUA amount owed at the time of the fine.

Conversely, Fuel EU Maritime is a more ‘technical’ measure and effective from January 2025. Simply put, this regulatory framework requires each vessel to attain a required GHG intensity index that will be determined on a percentile reduction against the baseline EU has set basis data from conventional fuelled vessels’ GHG indices in 2020. 

These reductions in GHG intensity will only be possible with alternative fuels; biofuels, LNG, or sustainable forms of methanol and ammonia. Not complying with this side of the regulation will mean fines much higher than those incurred from non-compliance with the EU ETS.

The two regulatory systems work in tandem – both are aiming to reduce emissions by either directly putting a price on them or penalizing the non-use of alternative fuels. Compliance therefore becomes crucial, both for mitigating costly fines, but also to keep a strong brand and company reputation in the industry.

One certainty is that companies that do not adapt to the new reality of the regional (EU) or international (IMO) regulations will be vulnerable. 

Pathways towards compliance can be complex depending on the scale of each organization and the way vessels are being operated and managed. Bunkering behaviour will certainly change as alternative fuels will have to be increasingly incorporated into fleets, and factors like delays, operational issues and availability of product will play a significant role. 

In addition, shipping companies will have to create a network of reliable and certified suppliers while securing future availability. Other key factors that will affect compliance status will be data discipline, emissions understanding, and management, which call for solutions based on integrated bunkering data. 

Tools such as Baseblue’s Fuelink platform provide valuable support by running scenarios for different vessels on various voyages, helping operators optimise fuel use and emissions reduction strategies. They also offer training to support understanding and compliance, and access to carbon markets with optimal EUA pricing. 

In addition, Baseblue’s consultants, with deep knowledge of these regulations, can offer guidance on compliance strategies and global access to alternative fuels, and ISCC-certified sustainable products. This allows shipping companies to minimise their exposure to penalties while maintaining operational efficiency.

Taking proactive measures, planning with digital tools, and collaborating with genuine experts will ensure that ship owners and operators achieve compliance and emissions targets while safeguarding competitive advantage.

 

Photo credit: Baseblue
Published: 16 October, 2024

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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July 20, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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MEG 1145 cropped MT

Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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