FuelEU Maritime, the EU framework aimed at reducing the greenhouse-gas intensity of energy used onboard ships, is fully applicable in the European Union from 1 January 2025 under Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. The European Commission also notes that certain provisions linked to monitoring plans apply earlier, from August 2024.
Norway, however, will not introduce the regime on 1 January 2026 as previously anticipated. In an update published on 22 December 2025, the Norwegian Maritime Authority said it had worked toward enabling applications from the start of 2026, but could not obtain the necessary clarifications between the EEA/EFTA states and with the EU in time.
The Authority now expects entry into force in Norway later in 2026, adding that a more detailed timetable will be communicated once confirmed.
The announcement follows a 12 December 2025 notice to industry that FuelEU Maritime could still take effect in Norway at very short notice—potentially as early as 1 January 2026—after public consultations on amendments to Norwegian legislation were completed.
In that earlier notice, the Authority also indicated that an earlier start could bring technical and operational benefits for parts of the maritime sector, while acknowledging that uncertainty over the start date could complicate planning and compliance preparations.
