What are the challenges?

The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift in greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations for the maritime sector. Existing frameworks have been expanded, and new ones introduced:

• EU Level: The shipping sector is now officially part of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), with the first submission of EU Allowances (EUAs) due by 30 September 2025.
• FuelEU Maritime: This regulation will take effect in 2025, with companies already having submitted their monitoring plans.
• Global Level: The IMO’s GHG Fuel Intensity Framework is in its final approval stages, with implementation expected in 2027 and initial reduction targets set for 2028.

 

The Green House Gas Intensity (GHGi) will be a marker for the cost of emissions from the shipping sector. The GHGi is measured on the CO2e emissions and includes also the production of fuel emissions costs (from well to wake). The measure is used on the Fuel EU emissions costs as it will be included in the IMO GFI costs. The IMO GFI is expected to be agreed on in October 2025 and will enter into force in 2028. If it does, then it will a large effect on the costs of shipping (worldwide) but it will also push shipping towards reducing GHG emissions, where rewards will be granted for the most GHG efficient ships. (Contact us for a detailed discussion on this).

These developments introduce new operational costs that will affect shipowners, operators, and cargo stakeholders alike.

How can these challenges be addressed?

Effectively managing these costs depends on access to accurate, verified operational data from vessels. This data must be:

• Validated by an accredited verifier using a purpose-built data handling system.
• Appropriately allocated to stakeholders based on their operational responsibilities.

Beyond data collection, operators must also:

• Ensure full regulatory compliance to avoid penalties.
• Maintain cost efficiency within budgeted voyage plans.
• Leverage predictive capabilities for proactive decision-making.

How can VesOPS support you?

VesOPS provides a comprehensive platform designed to help maritime stakeholders navigate this evolving regulatory landscape:

• Seamlessly integrate data from existing onboard systems into a unified platform.
• Apply pre-verification rules to streamline the official verification process.
• Calculate EUA obligations and FuelEU Maritime compliance in real time.
• Optimize performance using verified data to reduce GHG-related costs.
• Deliver transparent insights through intuitive dashboards for all stakeholders.
• Employ predictive analytics for long-term planning, fleet composition, and energy optimization.

The IMO GFI includes boundaries for the GHGi. There is the IMO GFI Base target where GHGi is set to be 4% lower than the 2008 GHGi level for shipping and then there is the IMO GFI Direct Compliance Target where GHGi is set to 17% lower than the 2008 GHGi level. The percentages are valid for 2028 and requirements will strengthen over the years. Crossing each boundary will add different costs and vessels staying below the targets will have no added costs. There are banking and pooling option available for these indexes as we see in the EU rules (contact us for a detailed discussion). Finally vessels using zero or near zero GHG emission technologies will receive rewards.

Let’s talk

Even if your organization is already performing well in these areas, we welcome a talk. A brief exchange could uncover opportunities to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, or strengthen your competitive edge.