Shipowners Urged to Revamp Fuel Data Practices
Shipowners and managers are being urged to reassess their onboard fuel measurement and data capture methods following the recent amendments to MARPOL Annex VI. Effective from August 1, 2025, all vessels over 5,000 gross tons engaged in international voyages must begin collecting detailed operational data under the IMO Data Collection System. This new requirement aims to enhance the accuracy of fuel consumption assessments by tracking fuel usage across various onboard systems.
New Data Collection Requirements
The amendments, adopted during the MEPC 81 meeting in March 2024, mandate that ships gather more granular data than previously required. This includes not only the total fuel consumed but also specifics on how fuel is used by different systems, distances traveled, and time spent underway. Uwe Krüger, Joint Managing Director of CM Technologies (CMT), emphasized that while the official reporting of this data will not be required until early 2027, the obligation to start collecting compliant data begins immediately. “It is crucial to separate data collection from reporting,” he stated. “If data is not captured onboard during 2026, it cannot be produced later.”
Under the new framework, the established reporting cycle remains unchanged. Fuel consumption data for each calendar year must still be verified by the Flag State or a recognized organization, typically a classification society, with a Statement of Compliance issued by May 31 of the following year. However, the scope and structure of the data required have expanded significantly. The focus has shifted from aggregated figures to continuous measurement, allowing for a more accurate representation of fuel consumption across different operating conditions.
Krüger noted that many operators mistakenly believe that the expanded Data Collection System (DCS) can be managed solely through revised reporting procedures. “It is vital for shipowners to recognize that the expanded IMO DCS separates when data is collected from when it is reported,” he explained. The quality of the submissions in 2027 will depend entirely on the data logged onboard throughout 2026. Ensuring that the right tools are in place early can significantly reduce compliance risks and verification efforts later on.
Operational Implications and Compliance Strategies
The expanded DCS emphasizes the importance of how data is generated onboard, making effective monitoring a compliance necessity rather than an optimization option. Continuous measurement of fuel consumption, supported by engine performance data, provides a robust audit trail for shipowners. This proactive approach not only enhances compliance but also positions operators favorably during audits and inspections.
Krüger pointed out that many operators still view DCS as merely an end-of-year paperwork task. “It is now very much an operational issue,” he said. “What happens in the engine room and on the bridge every day is what matters, not how figures are compiled twelve months later.” CMT’s engine performance and fuel monitoring systems are designed to align with the new DCS requirements, capturing fuel consumption at the level of individual engines and linking it to operational conditions.
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“The goal is not just to report more data but to ensure the data is reliable from the outset,” Krüger added. Operators who prioritize measurement and data integrity will find the submission process in 2027 much more manageable. Additionally, frequent and effective monitoring can help crews optimize fuel consumption, reduce emissions, and lower costs.
As the expanded IMO DCS data collection begins, CMT advises shipowners and technical managers to treat 2026 as a year for preparation and validation. Ensuring that onboard systems, procedures, and verification pathways are aligned well in advance will be crucial for successful compliance under the enhanced framework.
