Implications of Fuel EU on the shipping industry
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Abstract
The present thesis examines the implications of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 on the European and international shipping industry.
The study explores how this regulation, as part of the Fit for 55 package, integrates with existing frameworks such as EU MRV Regulation (2015/757), EU ETS, and SEEMP III, forming a comprehensive system for monitoring, verifying, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.
Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research identifies the economic, operational, and technological impacts of FuelEU Maritime on shipowners, operators, and ports.
Key findings reveal that while the EU ETS initially represents the primary cost driver for maritime decarbonization, FuelEU Maritime becomes dominant after 2040, directing the sector toward low- and zero-emission fuels such as e-methanol, e-ammonia, and biofuels.
The regulation’s flexibility mechanisms — including pooling, RFNBO multipliers, and wind-assisted propulsion incentives — are shown to provide effective compliance pathways, especially for early adopters.
The thesis concludes that FuelEU Maritime transforms environmental compliance into an investment opportunity, accelerating innovation and collaboration across the shipping value chain.
Its success, however, depends on the availability of renewable fuels, the alignment between EU and IMO measures, and the strength of verification systems ensuring data transparency and credibility.