Ship manager Columbia Group says that solutions need to be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with the new FuelEU Maritime regulations.
The introduction of Fuel EU Maritime restrictions that will enforce a reduction of carbon intensity levels on vessels by 2% in 2025 is a challenge ship owners and managers trading in and out of EU waters will need to address and prepare for over the next six months.
The European Union has introduced the regulations as part of its Fit for 55 directive, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions within the maritime sector in the EU by 55% by 2030. The regulations will ensure that the GHG intensity of fuels used by the shipping sector will gradually decrease over time. The reduction will begin at 2% in 2025 and will eventually rise to 80% by 2050.
In order to help guide ship owners and managers through the complex process, Columbia Group has launched a new one-stop shop platform which will help companies create a long-term strategy to ensure they are meeting the new emission targets and reporting data correctly, such as fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and distance travelled. Thanks to the use of AI, it can streamline these processes, providing accurate solutions that adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.
Philippos Ioulianou, Director of Energy and Renewables, Columbia Group, said: “These new restrictions are going to have a big impact for owners and managers and it’s important they look at what measures they are going to need to take to comply with the regulations and to avoid hefty fines. At Columbia Group, we believe that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand”
The EmissionLink platform has been created to help guide companies through the process and take the pressure off them. The platform creates transparency in managing the fuel life cycle from bunkers supply to consumption and emissions. It can collect, clean, analyse and forecast emissions data. By using the platform, Columbia says that clients can feel safe in the knowledge they have a reliable partner who can also help them create long-term green strategies for the future.
Ioulianou said: ‘’We will be able to not only help our clients put measures in place to reduce their carbon intensity levels but we can also handle inputting and analysing the data as well. Our mission is to empower the shipping industry with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their environmental goals while maintaining competitive advantage. Through continuous innovation and dedicated support, we are committed to driving the global transition to a low-carbon economy.’’
Image: Philippos Ioulianou, Director of Energy and Renewables, Columbia Group (source: Columbia/Elaborate Comms)
