No surcharges ahoy: UECC sails past FEUM costs

In Norway, United European Car Carriers announced that it will not impose surcharges on customers, thanks to its early adoption of low-carbon biofuels and liquefied biomethane, avoiding penalties under the new FuelEU Maritime (FEUM) regulations.

“UECC will change absolutely nothing about its pricing structure in relation to FEUM,” said Daniel Gent, UECC’s Energy & Sustainability Manager. The company’s investments since 2020 in green fuels and multi-fuel LNG technology, including its “Sail for Change” initiative, have created a compliance surplus expected to last into the 2030s.

Switching to biofuels, while reducing emissions by up to 100%, typically raises costs by 50–150% over conventional fuels. To offset this, many carriers charge an energy surcharge of 2–5%. However, UECC’s 15-vessel fleet, bolstered by partnerships with suppliers like Titan Clean Fuels and ACT Commodities, has avoided passing these costs to customers.

Gent highlighted the broader benefits: “This demonstrates the clear benefits of being ahead of regulation, investing in progressive technology, and generating savings for our customers.”

With further investments planned, UECC is on track to exceed FEUM’s 31% carbon reduction target by 2040 and aims to phase out fossil fuels entirely.

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