Built on the Full FuelEU Methodology
The FuelEU Simulator is built on the full FuelEU Maritime calculation methodology as defined in Regulation (EU) 2023/1805. Users define vessel characteristics, planned voyage parameters, and fuel consumption profiles, and the simulator calculates the resulting annual GHG intensity in grams of CO2 equivalent per MJ, benchmarks it against the applicable limit for the target year, and computes the resulting compliance balance — surplus or deficit.
Fuel Switching Scenario Tool
The simulator's fuel switching scenario tool is one of its most powerful features. Users can define a baseline voyage plan using conventional fuels (HFO, VLSFO, MGO) and then model the compliance impact of switching a defined proportion of energy consumption to alternative fuels — LNG, LBG, biofuels (B20, B30, B100), green methanol, green ammonia, or certified RFNBOs. The simulator applies the correct Well-to-Wake emission factors for each fuel and calculates the change in compliance balance, enabling cost-benefit analysis of fuel switching investments.
RFNBO 2x Multiplier
For the 2x multiplier applicable to certified RFNBOs, the simulator correctly models the double-credit effect, allowing users to see how a relatively small proportion of green hydrogen derivative fuel consumption can have a disproportionate positive impact on the compliance balance. This feature is particularly valuable for operators exploring the economics of green fuel blending as a compliance strategy in the 2025–2030 period.
Multi-Year Simulation
Multi-year simulation is a critical capability in the FuelEU Simulator. Given that the GHG intensity limits tighten significantly at five-year intervals — 2%, 6%, 14.5%, 31%, 62%, and 80% — a compliance strategy that works in 2025 may be wholly inadequate by 2030. The simulator enables users to project their compliance balance trajectory from 2025 to 2050, showing at what point their current fuel strategy becomes insufficient and when additional fuel switching investments will be required.
Fleet-Level Pooling Optimisation
Fleet-level simulation enables aggregate compliance optimisation. Rather than modelling each vessel individually, fleet managers can define a portfolio of vessels with different fuel types and trading patterns and model the fleet's aggregate compliance balance under different pooling configurations. The simulator identifies the optimal pool composition — which vessels to group together — that maximises compliance surplus or minimises penalty exposure across the fleet.
Modelling Banking and Borrowing Strategies
The banking and borrowing simulator features allow users to model multi-year compliance strategies that use these flexibility mechanisms intentionally. For example, a user can model a strategy where a vessel generates surplus in 2025 and 2026 (by using LNG), banks that surplus, draws it down in 2027–2029 (while fuel availability is constrained), and then transitions to green methanol from 2030. The simulator shows the compliance balance trajectory across the full period and flags any years where the strategy results in a deficit.
Financial Output Module
The financial output module in the FuelEU Simulator translates compliance balance outcomes into financial terms. For each scenario, the simulator calculates the estimated compliance cost — based on the cost of compliant fuel relative to conventional fuel, the value of any penalty avoided, and the opportunity cost of banking or borrowing. Users can input current fuel prices and penalty rates to get realistic financial estimates, or model sensitivity to price changes.
OPS Impact Modelling
The FuelEU Simulator also models the OPS (onshore power supply) impact. For vessels making regular calls at EU ports equipped with OPS, the simulator calculates the contribution of OPS electricity consumption to the vessel's GHG intensity, based on the WtW GHG intensity of the applicable grid. This enables port-calling strategies that maximise OPS use to be modelled and compared with fuel switching alternatives.
Export and Reporting
Export and reporting functionality in the FuelEU Simulator allows scenario outputs to be exported in PDF and Excel formats for presentation to boards, investors, charterers, and technical committees. Reports include full methodology documentation, fuel assumption tables, and multi-year compliance balance charts — providing the professional-quality outputs needed for strategic decision-making presentations. Access the FuelEU Simulator through Ecosail's platform and start building the compliance strategy that will protect your fleet through the FuelEU Maritime transition.
Key takeaways
- Built on Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 methodology
- Models conventional and alternative fuels (LNG, LBG, B20/B30/B100, green methanol, ammonia, RFNBOs)
- 2x RFNBO multiplier supported
- Multi-year projection 2025–2050
- PDF and Excel exports