FuelEU delayed in Norway
Due to delays in the process of incorporating the FuelEU Maritime Regulation into the EEA Agreement, it is unlikely that this will be completed by 1 January 2025. Consequently, the Norwegian Regulations will also not be laid down before the new year.
"We have worked hard to ensure the new legislation enters into force in Norway on 1 January 2025. The Norwegian legislation is ready to be adopted but can only take effect following a decision by the EEA Joint Committee," says Alf Tore Sørheim, Interim Director General of Shipping and Navigation.
The EEA process involves multiple steps, which can lead to delays. Norway is striving to expedite the EEA Joint Committee Decision, but it now appears that it will not be possible in time for the 1 January 2025 deadline.
Adopted in 2023
Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport (FuelEU Maritime) was adopted by the EU on 13 September 2023. This Regulation consists of a joint EU framework to promote the use of alternative sources of energy in the shipping sector, with the main requirements coming into force in the EU on 1 January 2025.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has previously urged all shipping companies covered by this legislation to adhere to the EU deadlines for creating a FuelEU monitoring plan. We still recommend preparing these plans before the legislation is implemented in Norway.
The work of the NMA has been organised around the implementation of the legislation in Norway by 1 January 2025, and the legislative changes were circulated for comments from 23 August until 29 October 2024.
Regarded as third-country ports
The NMA considers this delay to mean that Norwegian and Icelandic ports will be regarded as third-country ports in a FuelEU context from 1 January 2025 until the incorporation in the EEA Agreement.
"This means that, during this period, only half of the energy consumed between a port of call in Norway or Iceland and a port of call in the EU will fall under the scope of FuelEU. Energy consumed on voyages within Norway or between Norway and non-EU countries during this period will remain outside the scope of FuelEU," says Marte Hustveit Hauge, Senior Adviser, Department for Legislation and International Relations.
It is crucial to ensure that voyages to, from, and within Norway/Iceland are treated uniformly by all shipping companies, verifiers and administering states. To address this, the NMA has established contact with the EU Commission, which is considering publishing information about the issue on their website and informing verifiers directly.
The industry has raised concerns
The industry has expressed concern about the delay in incorporating FuelEU Maritime into the EEA Agreement. Several stakeholders have stressed the importance of understanding the impact of the delay on their operations.
"We understand that this delay is challenging for some stakeholders. Please rest assured that the NMA is working hard to emphasise the urgency of the matter to those responsible for making the decision," says Sørheim.