FuelEU regulations for maritime fuel monitoring and verification

On 29 July, the European Commission issued two key regulations concerning the FuelEU initiative aimed at promoting the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2027:

Objective: This regulation sets out the framework for verification activities to ensure compliance with the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport as mandated by Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. It also amends Directive 2009/16/EC.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System: A comprehensive MRV system is required to monitor compliance effectively. This system must be non-discriminatory and apply to all ships, ensuring that third-party verification guarantees the accuracy of submitted data.
Role of Verifiers: Verifiers must be independent and competent legal entities accredited by national accreditation bodies as per Regulation (EC) No 765/2008. They must have adequate resources, means, and staff proportional to the fleet size they verify. The verification process ensures that companies' monitoring and reporting are accurate and complete, and that they comply with the regulation.
Alignment with Other Regulations: This regulation aligns with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2917 to streamline verification activities.
Committee Opinion: The measures in this regulation are consistent with the opinions of the Committee on Safe Seas and the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, aiming to standardize and ensure effective verification of renewable and low-carbon fuel use in maritime transport.

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2031:

Objective: This regulation specifies the requirements for monitoring plans under Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. It also amends Directive 2009/16/EC.
Monitoring Plan Requirements: Companies are required to submit detailed monitoring plans to verifiers, documenting the monitoring and reporting methods for each ship. These plans must be submitted electronically using standardized templates to ensure uniform implementation.
Template Content: The templates must include all elements specified in Article 8(3) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. Companies can reference existing procedures from their management systems, such as the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) or the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), and include summaries of these procedures.
Recording and Access: Once the monitoring plan and any modifications are approved, verifiers must record them in the FuelEU database. This database is managed by the European Maritime Safety Agency and must be accessible to the relevant state authorities.
Consultation and Best Practices: The regulation is based on stakeholder consultations through the European Sustainable Shipping Forum and aligns with best practices. It ensures that monitoring plans are standardized, electronic, and integrated with existing management systems to facilitate compliance and reporting.

These regulations collectively aim to create a robust framework for the standardized and effective monitoring, reporting, and verification of renewable and low-carbon fuel use in maritime transport. They ensure that all ships adhere to these requirements, supporting the broader goals of sustainability and environmental protection in the maritime industry.