As the shipping industry advances toward stricter environmental regulations, compliance with initiatives like FuelEU Maritime, IMO DCS, EU ETS, and SEEMP is more critical than ever. To succeed, shipping carriers must focus on rigorous data accuracy, credible reporting, and proactive improvement. Second-party reviews play a pivotal role in ensuring these elements are seamlessly integrated into compliance efforts.
Here’s an updated checklist for shipping carriers, incorporating FuelEU Maritime compliance and demonstrating how expert guidance, like VURDHAAN’s, can enhance outcomes.
2025 Sustainability Compliance Checklist for Shipping Carriers
January – March: Reporting and Verification
- Prepare Emissions Reporting
- Compile emissions data for IMO DCS, EU ETS (if applicable), SEEMP Part III, and FuelEU Maritime compliance.
- Conduct a second-party review to ensure data aligns with monitoring plans and identifies discrepancies early.
Deadline: 31st March 2025.
Second-party role: Validate emissions intensity metrics for FuelEU Maritime compliance, ensuring alignment with fleet decarbonization targets.
- Verification Process
- Arrange verification of emissions reports by accredited bodies, including necessary site visits.
- Use insights from second-party reviews to anticipate and address potential verifier queries.
Deadline: Complete verification by 31st March 2025.
Tip: Leverage consultants like VURDHAAN to streamline communication with verifiers.
- Submit Verified Emissions Reports
- Submit reports to regulatory authorities via platforms like THETIS-MRV or directly to flag administrations for IMO DCS and EU ETS compliance.
- Provide necessary data for FuelEU Maritime compliance, including greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity details.
Deadline: 31st March 2025.
Second-party role: Ensure all data points required by FuelEU Maritime are validated for accuracy and completeness.
April – June: Compliance and Improvement
- Submission to Authorities
- Submit verified emissions data and compliance documents to authorities, covering IMO DCS, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime obligations.
Deadline: 30th April 2025.
Second-party role: Validate submission formats and flag potential gaps before official submission.
- Submit verified emissions data and compliance documents to authorities, covering IMO DCS, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime obligations.
- Address Non-Compliances
- Implement corrective actions for any issues identified during verification.
- Update SEEMP and/or monitoring plans to meet FuelEU Maritime GHG intensity reduction targets.
Deadline: 30th June 2025.
How it helps: Second-party reviews ensure corrective actions align with regulatory expectations and minimize future risks.
- Prepare Annual Sustainability Report
- Draft a comprehensive sustainability report, including FuelEU Maritime achievements.
- Get a second-party review for enhanced credibility, and opt for third-party verification if feasible.
Start Date: 15th May 2025.
Tip: Consultants like VURDHAAN can help present FuelEU Maritime compliance progress in a clear, impactful manner.
July – September: Strategic Development
- Develop Sustainable Fuel Procurement Plans
- Initiate strategies for procuring Sustainable Marine Fuels (SMF) and aligning with FuelEU Maritime energy requirements for 2026.
Start Date: 1st July 2025.
Second-party role: Assess SMF suppliers and ensure fuel procurement strategies align with FuelEU Maritime intensity reduction goals.
- Initiate strategies for procuring Sustainable Marine Fuels (SMF) and aligning with FuelEU Maritime energy requirements for 2026.
- Set and Review Sustainability Goals
- Collaborate with experts to refine sustainability objectives and actionable strategies.
- Include FuelEU Maritime targets in your broader decarbonization plan.
Target Completion: September 2025.
How it helps: Second-party reviews ensure goals are both ambitious and realistic, with clear pathways for achievement.
- EU ETS Allowances and FuelEU Maritime Penalties (if applicable)
- Purchase and surrender allowances for EU ETS compliance.
- Address any FuelEU Maritime penalties for non-compliance by assessing and updating GHG intensity strategies.
Deadline: 30th September 2025.
Second-party role: Validate allowances and compliance penalties for accuracy.
October – December: Future Planning and Engagement
- Engage in Industry Forums
- Attend forums like IMO MEPC sessions, FuelEU Maritime workshops, or industry-specific conferences.
- Stay informed about regulatory updates, particularly on FuelEU Maritime implementation and revisions.
Recommendation: Plan attendance for Q4 events.
Second-party role: Receive pre-event briefings or insights from experts to maximize actionable takeaways.
- Prepare for Next Year’s Reporting
- Conduct a second-party review of emissions data and FuelEU Maritime compliance strategies for 2026 reporting readiness.
Tip: Consultants like VURDHAAN can provide a retrospective analysis to enhance future reporting efficiency.
- Conduct a second-party review of emissions data and FuelEU Maritime compliance strategies for 2026 reporting readiness.
- End-of-Year Sustainability Review
- Perform an internal review of sustainability progress, highlighting achievements under FuelEU Maritime and other regulations.
- Prepare a roadmap for the next year.
Timeline: December 2025.
Second-party role: Facilitate unbiased evaluations and actionable insights.
How VURDHAAN Can Support
- Expert Data Reviews: We specialize in second-party reviews, ensuring your IMO DCS, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime data meets stringent regulatory standards.
- FuelEU Maritime Expertise: VURDHAAN offers tailored support in meeting GHG intensity targets and optimizing compliance strategies.
- Streamlined Compliance: Our team provides guidance for addressing non-compliances, updating SEEMP, and aligning with FuelEU Maritime requirements.
- Sustainability Strategy: We help integrate FuelEU Maritime compliance into broader decarbonization goals with actionable strategies.
- Comprehensive Training: VURDHAAN offers industry-leading training to keep your team informed about regulatory updates, including FuelEU Maritime.
By embedding second-party reviews into your compliance strategy and leveraging expert guidance, shipping carriers can confidently meet regulatory challenges while positioning themselves as sustainability leaders in the maritime industry. FuelEU Maritime compliance is a cornerstone of this journey—partnering with the right experts ensures you sail smoothly into the future.