Norway delays implementing FuelEU maritime regulation until late 2026

The EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation will not enter into force in Norway on Jan. 1, 2026, after authorities failed to complete the required legal and regulatory clarifications with the EU and other EEA/EFTA states, the Norwegian Maritime Authority said on Dec. 22.

Norwegian authorities have been working to align the regulation's start date with the EU, where FuelEU Maritime has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2025. However, the NMA said outstanding issues related to incorporating the regulation into the European Economic Area agreement prevented its implementation at the start of 2026.

Entry into force is now expected later in 2026, although the NMA did not provide a specific timeline. The authority said it will update industry participants once a more detailed schedule is confirmed.

FuelEU Maritime sets mandatory greenhouse gas intensity reduction targets for the energy used onboard ships calling at EU ports, requiring a 2% reduction by 2025 compared to 2020 levels and then rising progressively to 14.5% by 2035, 31% by 2040 and 80% by 2050.

The regulation is designed to drive the uptake of lower-carbon marine fuels, such as biofuels, e-fuels, ammonia and hydrogen, with penalties for non-compliance and incentives for early adoption.

Norwegian authorities had previously warned that FuelEU Maritime could take effect at short notice, potentially from Jan. 1, 2026, after completing public consultations on the necessary amendments to domestic legislation.

The NMA said earlier in December 2025 that an early start could offer technical and operational benefits for shipowners, but also acknowledged that uncertainty around timing could complicate compliance planning.

Market participants said the delay may temporarily ease near-term compliance pressure for ships operating to and from Norwegian ports, potentially slowing demand signals for compliant marine fuels such as advanced biofuels and synthetic fuels in early 2026.

However, they added that Norway's eventual alignment with FuelEU Maritime remains likely, given its close integration with EU maritime trade and climate policy.

The postponement adds to broader regulatory uncertainty facing shipping fuel markets, following recent delays to global measures such as the International Maritime Organization's Net-Zero Framework, which have already led some shipowners to defer fuel procurement and investment decisions.

The NMA said it continues to collaborate with national ministries and EU counterparts to finalize the incorporation of the regulation and will provide further guidance to the industry once the entry-into-force date is confirmed.

Marine biodiesel prices in Rotterdam increased marginally in the week ended Dec. 17 amid limited spot market activity.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the Rotterdam-delivered B30 used cooking oil methyl ester very low sulfur fuel oil biobunker blend at $740/metric ton on Dec. 17, up $2/mt week over week.