FuelEU 2025: How Much Will Shipping Costs Increase – And Can Pooling Really Save Shippers?
From January 1, 2025, the FuelEU Maritime regulation officially takes effect, requiring ships to reduce their “well-to-wake” greenhouse gas intensity by 2% compared to the 2020 baseline, with targets rising progressively until 2050. As a result, “green” costs—including scarce alternative fuels, compliance fees, verification expenses, and carbon-related surcharges—are now clearly reflected in the invoices issued by carriers and shippers. FuelEU does not mandate the use of any specific fuel. Instead, it allows operators to choose the optimal combination of solutions—such as blended biofuels, LNG/bio-LNG, wind-assisted propulsion, or operational optimization—as long as the required emission intensity is achieved. In practice, on major European trade lanes, many carriers have already begun introducing separate “Green Compliance Surcharges” rather than incorporating all environmental costs into traditional bunker surcharges.
In this event, Glotrans Ho Chi Minh participated and accompanied the program as a sponsor. The Board of Directors of Ho Chi Minh Branch on behalf of Glotrans attended the party.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, I wish the Customs Clearance Team to develop more new members, bring more value to the community and continue to be a useful playground for participants.