ClassNK has released `FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping (3rd Edition)’ and `FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (5th Edition)’ which are intended to be used by stakeholders in the maritime industry to support their understanding of EU environmental regulations relating to use of LNG as fuel, and to consider possible responses.
The EU-ETS was expanded to include the maritime sector in 2023 and has been applied since 1 January 2024. FuelEU Maritime, an EU regulation aimed at promoting the decarbonisation of fuels used on board ships, entered into force in October 2023 and has been applied since 1 January 2025. Both regulations apply to all ships above 5,000gt calling at EU ports.
Some points are yet to be clarified about the practical implementation of FuelEU Maritime, and thus the information provided by ClassNK is solely based on information from EMSA/EU as of February 2026. The latest information will be provided to stakeholders accordingly once further details are clarified by the EU.
Depending on the type of LNG-fuelled engine, measured values for methane slip may be lower than the default values, which may result in a reduction in the calculated GHG emissions. The newly issued FAQs explain the procedures for using measured methane slip emission factors in place of default values for ships using LNG as fuel, based on the guidelines on the reporting and verification of actual Tank-to-Wake methane slip emission factors, which were issued by the EC in October 2025.
ClassNK says it will continue to strive to support stakeholders in the shipping sector through such guidance provision as part of the `ClassNK Transition Support Services.’ The new FAQs and information regarding the application of actual methane slip are available on the ClassNK website here.
