FuelEU Maritime may apply in Norway from 1 January

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has said that the FuelEU Maritime regulation may come into effect in Norway from 1 January 2026.

IMAGE: Cargo ship at the harbor in Tromso, Norway. Getty Images

Norwegian authorities had earlier indicated that the incorporation of FuelEU Maritime would not be completed before 2026, with implementation expected sometime during the spring.

The European Union’s FuelEU Maritime, adopted at the beginning of this year, sets greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity reduction targets for ships calling at EU ports, pushing towards renewable fuels like e-fuels, ammonia and hydrogen over time, with penalties for non-compliance and incentives for early adoption, supporting the EU's "Fit for 55" climate goals. 

The NMA has now said that the regulation could potentially take effect as early as 1 January 2026. “There is a real possibility that FuelEU Maritime could take effect in Norway at very short notice,” the NMA said.

According to the current text of the mandate adopted by the EU, the maritime sector will be required to cut the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the energy used onboard ships by 2% by 2025, 14.5% by 2035, 31% by 2040, and 80% by 2050, compared to 2020 levels.

Implementing the regulation from the beginning of next year is expected to provide both technical and operational benefits to Norway’s maritime industry, the NMA said.

However, “uncertainty regarding the exact entry-into-force date may pose challenges,” the maritime authority has pointed out.

By Aparupa Mazumder

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online