THE European Council and Parliament agreed last month that the FuelEU Maritime rule will come into force from January 2025 to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, reports American Bureau of Shipping's ABS Regulatory News bulletin.

FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce the GHG intensity of a ship's energy when travelling within, to and from the EU by promoting the use of renewable and low carbon fuels.

It also mandates the use of onshore power supply (OPS) for containerships and passenger ships in EU ports. It will also incentivise the production and use of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).

FuelEU Maritime will apply to all ships above 5,000 gross tons that transport passengers or cargo for commercial purposes departing from or arriving to a port of call under the jurisdiction of an EU member state.