Connect with us

FuelEU

OceanScore reveals ship segments set to feel EUR 1.3 billion sting of FuelEU penalties

Container segment will bear the brunt of FuelEU costs, accounting for 29% of gross penalties, followed by RoPax on 14% with tankers and bulkers each on 13%, says firm.

Admin

Published

on

OceanScore Managing Director Albrecht Grell

Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Tuesday (9 July) said the financial impact of FuelEU Maritime is focusing the minds of shipping companies as they face potential penalties for non-compliance with greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity reduction targets - and OceanScore has identified those segments set to be hit hardest.

The following is an article by OceanScore elaborating on the matter:

Vessels in the passenger/cruise, container, RoPax, bulker and tanker segments will have significant cost exposure from the complex regulation due to be implemented from 1 January next year, despite a relatively modest initial target of a 2% cut in GHG intensity, according to OceanScore.

The firm’s data analytics team has calculated that shipping will rack up total FuelEU penalties of €1.345 billion in 2025 through analysis of the 13,000 vessels over 5000gt trading within and into the EU/EEA that are subject to the regulation. This is based on data on trading patterns and fuel mix from 2022 - the last full year currently available.

Containers bear burden

The team has been able to determine FuelEU compliance balances and resulting penalties for each vessel using OceanScore’s proprietary data modelling incorporating AIS data, Thetis emissions data, bunker intelligence and advanced analytics/AI. It has factored in the likely fuel mix for each vessel between EU ports and to/from the EU, as well as in ports.

Vessels will be hit with a penalty of €2400 per tonne of VLSFO-equivalent for failing to meet the initial 2% reduction target relative to a 2020 baseline for average well-to-wake GHG intensity from fleet energy consumption of 91.16 gCO2e per megajoule (MJ) - or emissions per energy unit. The GHG intensity requirement applies to 100% of energy used on voyages and port calls within the EU/EEA and 50% of voyages into and out of the bloc.

As with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), it is the container segment that will bear the brunt of FuelEU costs, accounting for 29% of gross penalties, followed by RoPax on 14% with tankers and bulkers each on 13%.

“It is critical for shipping companies to determine a baseline for expected FuelEU costs to secure proper planning and budgeting processes to compare different mitigation options, as well as to decide what to do with outstanding compliance balances,” says OceanScore Managing Director Albrecht Grell.

“This will require, to a higher degree than the EU ETS, a corporate strategy to determine how to reduce the compliance balance/deficit, how to commercialise a surplus and deal with deficits that remain.”

Wide spread of vessel liabilities

OceanScore has found that liabilities per vessel will differ widely across the various segments due to increasingly diversified fuel choices, including greater uptake of biofuels and LNG. Passenger vessels will be penalised the most with an average of €520,000 per vessel annually, followed by RoPax at €480,000 and RoRo at €314,000, with an average penalty for container ships of only €214,000, according to OceanScore.

Grell points out there are also massive discrepancies between vessels within these segments, with a number of ships in the passenger and RoPax segments exposed to penalties of between €1.8m and €2.5m, and payment obligations for some container ships approaching €1m. This is driven by higher energy consumption simply due to vessel size and trading profile.

While penalties will arise from so-called compliance deficits for vessels using conventional fuels, surpluses totalling an estimated €669m will be generated mainly by vessels fuelled by LNG and LPG with significantly lower carbon intensity.

LNG carriers will account for 78% of the total market surplus and gas carriers 8%, while a further 8% will be generated by container ships that have seen a modest uptake in alternative fuels in recent years.

Pooling can halve costs for the industry

Taking into account this estimated compliance surplus, the net cost of FuelEU penalties for shipping from 2025 would be €680m, which indicates that pooling of vessels can roughly halve the gross burden for the industry.

Penalties will, in segments typically using conventional fuels with comparable carbon intensities such as HFO, LFO or MDO, be roughly proportional to the overall fuel consumption, thus correlating with the EU ETS cost.

Initial costs of FuelEU for most conventionally fuelled vessels, prior to pooling, will be around one-third of those associated with the EU ETS next year when the latter regulation will have 70% phase-in. But ultimately FuelEU is likely to prove a much more costly affair as the requirement for GHG intensity cuts rises to 6% by 2030 and then accelerates to reach 80% by 2050.

“It is therefore incumbent on shipowners to define their strategies not only towards fuel choices and the use of onshore power but also towards handling of residual compliance balances such as pooling, banking and borrowing of balances, to mitigate the financial impact of FuelEU. However, pooling will also come at a cost, while banking and borrowing will incur interest costs and only push liabilities into the future,” Grell explains.

‘Sound administrative processes’

He further points out that pooling compensations paid between different shipping companies will effectively divert cash flow away from the EU that it would otherwise have earned from FuelEU penalties – but that this effect is intended by the regulator to “reward” early adopters of clean fuels.

Another factor that will curb potential income for the EU from this regulation is that the compliance gap has been reduced to only 1.6% by 2022, as average GHG intensity from shipping has come down by 0.4% to 90.82 gCO2e per MJ, mainly due to increased LNG carrier calls to Europe after gas supplies via pipelines from Russia were halted when the latter invaded Ukraine. Given this trend and increasing adoption of biofuels, the 2% compliance gap will probably be closed before the first tightening of reduction targets in 2030.

Grell says the priority for shipping companies, especially at this early stage while cost exposure is relatively low, is to get to grips with the complexity of the regulation and tackle the risks arising from the fact the party liable for penalties - the DoC holder, or possibly shipowner - is not the one responsible for emissions, which is typically the charterer.

“As well as having costs oversight, companies require reliable monitoring and reporting mechanisms with high-quality emissions data. They must also have in place complex contractual arrangements and sound administrative processes to manage compliance and mitigate the financial consequences of the new regulation,” Grell concludes.

Related: FuelEU: New regulation leaves DoC holder with fuel liabilities risk, says OceanScore
Related: ‘Big opportunity’ for bunker traders, suppliers on upcoming FuelEU regulation, forecasts OceanScore

 

Photo credit: OceanScore
Published: 12 July, 2024

Continue Reading

Port & Regulatory

DNV: GHG regulatory outlook for 2025 – Major actions and deadlines

DNV shares key deadlines and activities in 2025 related to key regulations for greenhouse gas emissions such as EU MRV, IMO DCS, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED william william on Unsplash

Classification society DNV recently shared a summary of key deadlines and activities in 2025 related to key regulations for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The following is an excerpt from the news update:

Decarbonization is a top priority for ship owners. While the EU MRV and IMO DCS have become routine, new regulations such as the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime present uncharted territory for many. Below is a summary of the key regulations and required actions for 2025:

EU MRV

To comply with EU MRV requirements, ship managers must ensure accurate emissions data and promptly submit their reports for verification by an accredited verifier. Once verified, managers are required to submit the reports to the THETIS-MRV system.

Deadlines in 2025:

  • Submission (to verifier, DNV): 21 February (in which case DNV guarantees verification before the deadline)
  • Verification: 31 March

EU ETS Company Emissions Report

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Company Emissions Report is a crucial part of the compliance process for companies regulated under the EU ETS. This data is based on EU MRV emissions data for 2024. Some key points:

To create the EU ETS Company Emissions Report, all vessel emissions reports need to be verified and submitted to THETIS (this must be done prior to the submission of the EU ETS Company Emissions Report). Companies are also required to submit a report of their company emissions for the previous calendar year.

Companies are also required to surrender their EU ETS Allowances equivalent to their verified emissions.

The verification process shall ensure the accuracy and reliability of the reported data. Accredited verifiers, such as DNV, will check the emissions reports to confirm their correctness.

Deadlines in 2025:

  • Submission of the verified Company Emissions Report: 31 March 2025. This deadline is for both ship and company emissions. Early submission is recommended.
  • Surrender of the due EU ETS Allowances (from the Maritime Operator Holding Account (MOHA) holder in the EU ETS Union Registry): 30 September 2025.

Important note: DNV will provide EU ETS Company Emissions Report verification, and we will shortly follow up with more information in the My Services portal on Veracity on how to order the verification and how to upload the documents to THETIS-MRV.

FuelEU Maritime

Vessels trading in the EU/EEA* already have an approved FuelEU Maritime Monitoring Plan on board (deadline: 1 January 2025). There are no further deadlines for 2025, but DNV strongly encourages every affected company to take immediate action:

  • Establish a strategy to minimize the cost of compliance.
  • Review and update the commercial contracts between the technical manager/ISM company and ship owner – trusted data are crucial to manage financials and commercial management.
  • Ensure the implementation of clear terms in commercial charter contracts that define the specific roles and responsibilities of all parties in compliance with the FuelEU Maritime regulations.
  • For vessel pooling, it is important to note that if the legal declaration of pooling is made the year following the reporting period, most commercial decisions will need to be finalized during the 2025 charter negotiations.

Deadline in 2025:

  • Continuous reporting and data verification for the EU MRV throughout 2025

*Note: The EEA EFTA countries Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein are not yet part of the FuelEU Maritime due to delays in the process; implementation is expected shortly.

Partial FuelEU Emissions Report

The partial FuelEU Emissions Report is required when there is a change of company managing a ship (see Appendix in the pdf for more information). It should be noted that both the EU MRV and IMO DCS have specific requirements regarding changes of company. These requirements are detailed in the FAQ sections of the references listed below. DNV will offer partial FuelEU Emissions Reports from the end of Q1 2025 (THETIS functionalities are still under development).

IMO DCS Fuel Oil Consumption Report (FOCR)

The aggregated DCS data form the basis for the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating and the SEEMP Part III. Data quality and an efficient, digital system are key.

Deadline in 2025:

  • Verified FOCR reporting: 31 May 2025

Note: DNV’s full summary of key deadlines and activities in 2025 related to key regulations can be found here

 

Photo credit: william william on Unsplash
Published: 12 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LNG crosses $1,000/mt with EU regs

With EUA and FuelEU Maritime costs for voyages between two EU ports added, bunkering LNG in Rotterdam will now cost over $1,000/mt on ships powered by Otto medium speed engines.

Admin

Published

on

By

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LNG crosses $1,000/mt with EU regs

Once a week, bunker intelligence platform ENGINE will publish a snapshot of alternative and conventional bunker fuel prices in the world’s two biggest bunkering hubs. The following is the latest snapshot:

  • LNG can cost $1,000/mt with EU regulations added
  • B100 premium over VLSFO rises

Rotterdam’s VLSFO-equivalent LNG price has surged $41/mt higher in the past week.

This sharp increase has further widened its premiums over conventional fuels. Its premium over VLSFO has gone up by $36/mt to $242/mt, and over LSMGO by $52/mt to $146/mt.

With EU Allowance (EUA) and FuelEU Maritime costs for voyages between two EU ports added, bunkering LNG in Rotterdam will now cost over $1,000/mt on ships powered by Otto medium speed (Otto MS) engines. This engine type has the highest default methane slip (3.1%) in the FuelEU regulation.

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LNG crosses $1,000/mt with EU regs

Few shipowners have a direct choice between liquefied biomethane (LBM) and B100, as these fuels typically serve different vessel types and operational needs. But for dual-fuel shipowners bunkering in Rotterdam with that choice, LBM's cost advantage over B100 has increased when additional EU regulation costs are factored in.

For ships with Otto MS engines, LBM’s discount to B100 has widened to $25/mt when accounting for EU ETS compliance costs and FuelEU pooling benefits. This is an $11/mt increase from a week ago.

Liquid fuels

Rotterdam's VLSFO-equivalent B100 price has surged by $60/mt in the past week, increasing its premium over VLSFO by $51/mt to $626/mt.

PRIMA Markets has assessed the Dutch HBE rebate for B100 in Rotterdam to $357/mt, a modest $7/mt decline in a week of slow activity, PRIMA said.

“The market for HBE tickets flattened on Friday in what market participants called a quiet market, with some even suggesting they were 'bored', both for 2024 and 2025,” PRIMA said.

The theoretical FuelEU pooling value we assume for B100 has increased by $9/mt on the week, to $562/mt. When factoring in estimated EU ETS and FuelEU compliance benefits for voyages between two EU ports, the real cost of bunkering B100 is $722/mt. That is a $52/mt gain on the week.

Meanwhile, Rotterdam’s VLSFO price has countered a $21/mt ($2.83/bbl) drop in front-month Brent futures by gaining $5/mt over the past week. Singapore's VLSFO price has fallen by $6/mt.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG price has rallied for another week. Its $41/mt weekly gain has mainly been driven by concerns over colder weather and low wind power output in Europe.

LNG’s sharp rise has also driven up the price of LBM, which is typically priced at a premium over fossil LNG.

When factoring in compliance costs and pooling benefits, the total cost of bunkering LBM can be as low as $562/mt when it is consumed in a diesel slow speed (diesel SS) engine with low methane slip (0.2%) between two EU ports. That is $275/mt less than fossil LNG consumed in the same diesel SS engine.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s VLSFO-equivalent LNG price has been rather steady, shedding $2/mt in the past week.

By Konica Bhatt

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 4 February, 2025

Continue Reading

FuelEU

Glander International Bunkering launches FuelEU Maritime compliance calculator

Simplified version of Compliance Calculator supports MGO and VLSFO, while the full version can calculate all bunker fuel types, offering users more comprehensive insights.

Admin

Published

on

By

Glander International Bunkering launches FuelEU Maritime compliance calculator

Bunker trading firm Glander International Bunkering on Tuesday (28 February) introduced a tool to help users calculate key data for compliance with FuelEU Maritime, which came into effect on 1 January.

FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector by incentivising the use of alternative fuels and imposing penalties for non-compliance. 

With the new Compliance Calculator, Glander International Bunkering helps users understand potential penalties and savings based on voyage type, fuel, and quantity.

The Compliance Calculator is specifically designed for commercial vessels over 5,000 GT and adheres to the stricter FuelEU Maritime guidelines rather than the IMO’s.

The simplified version supports MGO and VLSFO, while the full version can calculate all fuel types, offering users more comprehensive insights. Additionally, the calculator is built to adapt to regulatory changes, with the next update planned for 2030.

Frederik Moser, Head of New Fuels, said, "As the industry adapts to new regulations, understanding the implications of fuel choices is crucial to operating efficiently and responsibly. Our goal is to help maritime operators reduce costs, avoid penalties, and transition to new fuels in a smoother, more efficient way."

Aligning with Glander International Bunkering’s ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications, the Compliance Calculator demonstrates the benefits of certified biofuels and supports the company’s commitment to sustainability.

The simplified version of the Compliance Calculator is available here.

The full version of the calculator can be accessed by contacting the New Fuel Advisors at Glander International Bunkering.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 3 February, 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • SBF2
  • Consort advertisement v2
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • Aderco advert 400x330 1
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • HL 2022 adv v1
  • E MARINE LOGO
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2


  • Victory Logo
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Auramarine 01
  • Mokara Final
  • Uni Fuels oct 2024 ad
  • 300 300
  • pro liquid
  • MFA logo v2
  • Central Star logo
  • LabTechnic
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • Headway Manifold
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1

Trending