Fit for 55
EU maritime regulation explained
Fit for 55 is the European Union’s most ambitious legislative package to combat climate change and create a sustainable economy.
What is fit for 55?
Fit for 55 is a European climate law that aims to cut net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030. As part of the European Green Deal, the Fit for 55 package puts the EU on the path to achieving climate neutrality. Fit for 55 legislation includes revisions to existing measures, as well as new tools and market mechanisms, to target emissions reductions across all industries, including maritime transport.
Fit for 55 targets
How does Fit for 55 impact the maritime industry?
Fit for 55 provides concrete measures to reduce emissions and decarbonize the economy, including specific regulations to decarbonize shipping. The regulation introduces new legal requirements for shipowners, operators, energy majors and upstream suppliers. Familiarity with Fit for 55 and its provisions is therefore essential for compliance and operational optimization in the European shipping market.
The Fit for 55 maritime regulations
EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
The EU ETS was extended to include maritime emissions in 2024 and is often referred to as EU ETS shipping. All large ships (5000+ gross tonnage) that enter EU ports, irrespective of the flag they fly, are in-scope of the regulation. EU ETS applies a carbon price to emissions that must be monitored, reported and validated. Shipping companies must purchase EU ETS emission allowances for each ton of CO2 (or CO2-equivalent) the ship emits within the scope.
FuelEU Maritime
FuelEU Maritime promotes the use of low-carbon fuels in shipping and has applied since 2025. It sets limits for the yearly average GHG intensity of energy used on large ships (5000+ gross tonnage). FuelEU Maritime requires compliance through the use of targets to implement gradual emissions reductions over time.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)
AFIR aims to ensure the availability of alternative fuels infrastructure to support their uptake. It sets targets for the EU’s main ports to deploy shore-side electricity supply for larger seagoing container and passenger ships in maritime ports and for inland waterway vessels.
Renewable Energy Directive (RED III)
The Renewable Energy Directive was revised as part of Fit for 55 and is now named RED III. It sets targets for the EU’s use of renewable energy, including fuels, and now includes maritime in its transport sector.
Energy Taxation Directive (ETD)
Fit for 55 included a proposal to revise the Energy Taxation Directive, which is a taxation mechanism that allows subsidies for fossil fuels. The proposal aims to align the taxation of energy products with the EU’s climate objectives. It includes the removal of exemptions for the use of fossil fuels for intra-EU maritime transport.
Turn EU compliance into a competitive advantage
The EU Fit for 55 maritime package is significantly reshaping shipping operations, fuel choices, and investment strategies. Early adoption of compliance strategies is critical to remain competitive and avoid regulatory risks, including financial penalties for non-compliance.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is Fit for 55?
Fit for 55 is the European Union’s climate policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. It is a central part of the European Green Deal and includes several regulations impacting industries such as transport and shipping.
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How does EU Fit for 55 impact shipping?
EU Fit for 55 shipping regulations introduce new requirements for shipowners and operators, including emissions monitoring and carbon pricing under the EU ETS extension, and the use of less carbon-intensive fuels through the FuelEU Maritime regulation.
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What is FuelEU Maritime and what are its requirements?
FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce the carbon intensity of energy used onboard ships. FuelEU Maritime compliance requires operators to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions though the adoption of alternative fuels.
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How does the EU ETS extension affect shipping?
The European Union Emissions Trading System was extended to the maritime sector and is sometimes referred to as EU ETS shipping. It requires shipping companies to purchase allowances for their carbon emissions when operating in EU waters.
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What other regulations are part of Fit for 55 for maritime?
In addition to FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS, the EU Fit for 55 maritime framework includes:
- the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, which supports the development of less carbon intensive port infrastructure, such as shore power
- Renewable Energy Directive III, which sets renewable energy targets
- the Energy Taxation Directive, which has reformed fuel taxation to reduce fossil fuel use
