What is GHG intensity?
GHG intensity describes greenhouse gas emissions relative to the amount of energy used. Under FuelEU Maritime, the metric is expressed in grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy, commonly written as gCO₂eq/MJ.
The regulation assesses the yearly average intensity of energy used on board ships in scope. This is different from measuring absolute emissions alone.
What does well-to-wake mean?
FuelEU uses a well-to-wake lifecycle approach. That means the calculation considers greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing and supplying the energy as well as emissions from using it on board. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are included in the lifecycle framework.
Why fuel choice matters
Different fuels and energy pathways can have different lifecycle emission factors. The mix of fuels used, the amount of energy consumed and the applicable regulatory factors all influence a ship's annual average GHG intensity.
Operational changes can therefore move both the intensity figure and the compliance balance, but the relationship is not one-to-one because the balance also reflects the ship's energy use and the applicable target.
Intensity measures emissions per unit of energy. A ship can improve intensity while still consuming significant energy overall, which is why FuelEU intensity and EU ETS emissions exposure should be understood as separate views.
How does the target change?
FuelEU Maritime progressively tightens the permitted GHG intensity. The required reduction starts at 2% in 2025 and increases over time to 80% by 2050 compared with the regulation's 2020 reference value.
How does TidalIQ use GHG intensity?
TidalIQ shows GHG intensity alongside compliance balance so operators can see whether the fleet view is moving above or below the applicable target and then drill into the vessel positions behind it. The FuelEU calculator can also model an indicative intensity from voyage and fuel inputs.
For regulatory compliance, ship-specific verified calculations remain the source of truth. Fleet-level aggregation is an operating view used to understand where attention may be needed.
Official references
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal or verification advice. Always use current regulatory guidance and verified data for compliance decisions.