Ship Fuel Oil Consumption in IMO GISIS

An Introduction and Practical Guide to Fuel Reporting under MARPOL Annex VI

Introduction: Why Fuel Oil Consumption Data Matters for Global Shipping

Fuel is at the centre of modern shipping. It determines operating costs, voyage planning, emissions, and environmental performance. As the maritime industry moves toward lower greenhouse gas emissions and greater transparency, accurate data on ship fuel oil consumption has become essential for regulators, shipowners, researchers, and policymakers.

International efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships depend on reliable, standardized fuel consumption data. Without accurate reporting, it is impossible to understand emission trends, evaluate the effectiveness of regulations, or design future climate measures.

To support these objectives, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established a global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption under MARPOL Annex VI. The collected data is made available, in aggregated and controlled form, through the “Ship Fuel Oil Consumption” module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption option in GISIS. It explains the legal framework, reporting process, data scope, users, and importance of this module for environmental compliance, policy development, and maritime education worldwide.

Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Environmental Data Collection

What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?

The Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) is an IMO-managed online platform that integrates maritime data submitted by IMO Member States under international conventions, codes, and resolutions.

GISIS supports:

  • Transparency and consistency in maritime regulation

  • Access to authoritative, State-submitted data

  • Evidence-based policymaking

  • Monitoring of safety, security, and environmental performance

Among its environmental modules, Ship Fuel Oil Consumption is a key tool supporting air pollution control and climate policy.

Legal Framework: MARPOL Annex VI and Fuel Oil Data Collection

MARPOL Annex VI Overview

MARPOL Annex VI addresses air pollution from ships. It regulates emissions of:

  • Sulphur oxides (SOx)

  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

  • Particulate matter

  • Ozone-depleting substances

  • Greenhouse gases (GHGs), indirectly through energy efficiency measures

To support future emission reduction strategies, Annex VI introduced a mandatory fuel oil consumption data collection system.

IMO Data Collection System (DCS)

The IMO Data Collection System (DCS) requires certain ships to:

  • Monitor and record fuel oil consumption

  • Aggregate data on an annual basis

  • Report the data to their flag State

  • Undergo verification

The aggregated data is then transmitted by flag States to the IMO and made available through GISIS.

Purpose of the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Module in GISIS

Core Objectives

The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module aims to:

  • Collect standardized fuel consumption data at global level

  • Improve understanding of shipping’s energy use

  • Support development of IMO climate policies

  • Enhance transparency without compromising commercial sensitivity

It is a policy and analysis tool, not a commercial benchmarking system.

Which Ships Are Covered?

Applicability Criteria

The IMO DCS applies to:

  • Ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above

  • Engaged in international voyages

  • Subject to MARPOL Annex VI

This threshold ensures coverage of ships responsible for the majority of fuel consumption and emissions.

What Fuel Types Are Included?

Scope of Fuel Oil Data

Ships report consumption of fuel oils such as:

  • Heavy fuel oil (HFO)

  • Marine diesel oil (MDO)

  • Marine gas oil (MGO)

  • Low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO)

  • Very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO)

  • Alternative fuels where applicable

The focus is on quantity consumed, not fuel price or supplier details.

What Information Is Collected and Displayed?

Types of Data Involved

Under the IMO DCS, ships collect data including:

  • Total annual fuel oil consumption by fuel type

  • Distance travelled

  • Hours underway

This data is aggregated and anonymized before being made accessible through GISIS.

Data in GISIS

The GISIS module presents:

  • Aggregated fuel consumption data

  • High-level statistical information

  • Global and regional trends

Individual ship data is not publicly disclosed.

Who Submits and Verifies the Data?

Role of Shipowners and Companies

Shipowners and operators are responsible for:

  • Monitoring fuel consumption

  • Maintaining records onboard

  • Submitting annual reports to flag States

Role of Flag States

Flag States:

  • Verify reported data

  • Issue Statements of Compliance

  • Submit aggregated data to the IMO

Role of the IMO

The IMO:

  • Collects data from Member States

  • Ensures data consistency

  • Publishes aggregated results through GISIS

How to Access the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Module in GISIS

Step 1: Access the GISIS Platform

Users access GISIS via the IMO website and enter the appropriate section of the system.

Step 2: Select “Ship Fuel Oil Consumption”

From the GISIS module list, users select Ship Fuel Oil Consumption.

Step 3: Review Available Information

Users can:

  • Explore high-level fuel consumption data

  • Understand global shipping energy trends

  • Use the information for research and policy analysis

Why Fuel Oil Consumption Data Is Important

Supporting Climate Change Policy

Fuel consumption data is the basis for:

  • Estimating GHG emissions from shipping

  • Evaluating emission reduction measures

  • Developing future IMO climate regulations

Enhancing Environmental Transparency

Transparent data helps:

  • Build trust between States

  • Support international negotiations

  • Demonstrate shipping’s contribution to climate action

Practical Use Cases of the GISIS Fuel Consumption Module

IMO and Policymakers

The IMO uses fuel consumption data to:

  • Assess the impact of existing measures

  • Develop new emission reduction strategies

  • Monitor progress toward climate goals

Flag State Administrations

Administrations use the data to:

  • Monitor fleet performance

  • Support national climate reporting

  • Improve compliance oversight

Researchers and Academia

Researchers rely on GISIS fuel data to:

  • Analyze energy efficiency trends

  • Model future emission scenarios

  • Support peer-reviewed studies

Relationship with Other IMO Measures

Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)

Fuel consumption data complements EEDI by:

  • Providing operational performance insights

  • Linking design efficiency with real-world operation

Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)

Fuel data helps assess:

  • Effectiveness of technical efficiency measures

  • Impact of engine power limitation and other actions

Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

CII directly depends on:

  • Fuel consumption

  • Distance travelled

GISIS fuel data supports understanding of CII outcomes at fleet level.

Relationship with Other GISIS Modules

The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module complements:

  • Status of Treaties – applicability of MARPOL Annex VI

  • Pollution Prevention Equipment – emission control technologies

  • Port Reception Facilities – waste management implications

  • Marine Casualties and Incidents – pollution consequences

Together, these modules form an integrated environmental governance framework.

Data Confidentiality and Limitations

Protection of Commercial Sensitivity

To protect commercial interests:

  • Individual ship data is not publicly identifiable

  • Data is aggregated and anonymized

This balance supports transparency while maintaining fairness.

Not a Real-Time System

Fuel consumption data:

  • Is reported annually

  • Reflects historical performance

It is intended for analysis and policy, not operational decision-making.

Best Practices for Using the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Module

  • Use data for trend analysis, not ship comparison

  • Understand MARPOL Annex VI requirements

  • Combine GISIS data with academic and industry reports

  • Use it as an official reference source

  • Integrate insights into environmental training programs

Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia

For maritime students and trainees, the module provides:

  • Practical understanding of fuel monitoring

  • Insight into IMO climate policy mechanisms

  • Real-world context for energy efficiency discussions

It is especially valuable in courses on:

  • Marine environmental protection

  • Maritime energy management

  • Ship operations

  • Maritime policy and regulation

Fuel Data and the Future of Shipping Decarbonization

Supporting Long-Term Emission Reduction

Fuel consumption data will underpin:

  • Mid-term and long-term IMO GHG strategies

  • Development of market-based measures

  • Transition to alternative fuels

Digitalization and Data Quality

As monitoring technology improves:

  • Data accuracy will increase

  • Reporting processes will become more automated

  • GISIS will remain a central reference platform

Conclusion: Measuring Energy Use to Drive Change

The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System is a cornerstone of modern maritime environmental governance. By providing aggregated, standardized data on ship fuel oil consumption under MARPOL Annex VI, it enables evidence-based policy, international cooperation, and informed debate on shipping’s climate impact.

For regulators, shipowners, researchers, educators, and students, the GISIS fuel consumption module offers a trusted and authoritative window into the energy realities of global shipping. In an era of increasing climate ambition, measuring fuel use accurately is the first step toward reducing emissions effectively.

Rate this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *