- Delay eases short-term compliance pressure for shipowners.
- Long-term alignment with EU climate rules still expected.
- Biofuel market impact seen as temporary.
The EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation won’t kick in for Norway on January 1, 2026, as the authorities couldn’t finalise the necessary legal and regulatory details with the EU and other EEA/EFTA countries, according to the Norwegian Maritime Authority on December 22, reports S&P Global.
Legal and EEA Issues Behind Postponement
Norwegian officials had hoped to synchronise the regulation’s start date with the EU, where FuelEU Maritime has been in effect since January 1, 2025. However, unresolved matters regarding the integration of the regulation into the European Economic Area agreement have stalled its implementation until early 2026. Now, it’s anticipated to take effect later in 2026, although a specific timeline hasn’t been established yet.
What FuelEU Maritime Requires
FuelEU Maritime establishes mandatory targets for reducing greenhouse gas intensity for the energy used on ships docking at EU ports. The regulation calls for a 2% reduction by 2025 compared to 2020 levels, increasing to 14.5% by 2035, 31% by 2040, and a significant 80% by 2050. It encourages the adoption of lower-carbon marine fuels like biofuels, e-fuels, ammonia, and hydrogen, supported by a system of penalties and incentives.
Industry Impact and Market Reaction
Norwegian authorities had previously cautioned that the regulation could be implemented on short notice, potentially starting January 1, 2026. While an early launch was viewed as beneficial for technical and operational aspects, the uncertainty surrounding the timing has complicated compliance planning. Market players noted that this delay might temporarily dampen the demand for compliant marine fuels in early 2026, although Norway’s eventual alignment with the EU framework is still considered likely.
Wider Regulatory Uncertainty
This postponement adds to the overall uncertainty in shipping fuel markets, especially following delays to global initiatives like the International Maritime Organisation’s Net-Zero Framework. These setbacks have already prompted some shipowners to postpone fuel procurement and investment decisions.
Biofuel Market Update
Marine biodiesel prices in Rotterdam rose slightly in the week ended Dec. 17 amid thin spot activity. Platts assessed Rotterdam-delivered B30 used cooking oil methyl ester very low sulfur fuel oil biobunker blend at $740 per metric ton on Dec. 17, up $2 per metric ton week on week.
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Source: S&P Global
