Why Fuel Oil Consumption Data Matters in Modern Shipping
Fuel oil consumption is at the heart of shipping operations. It directly affects operating costs, energy efficiency, air emissions, and climate impact. For decades, fuel use was managed mainly as a commercial and technical issue, handled internally by shipowners and operators. However, as climate change became a global priority, fuel consumption also became a regulatory and policy concern.
International shipping is responsible for a significant share of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. To reduce emissions effectively, policymakers first need accurate, reliable, and comparable data on how much fuel ships actually consume in real operations. Without such data, climate regulations risk being ineffective or unfair.
To address this need, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the Data Collection System (DCS) for ship fuel oil consumption under MARPOL Annex VI. Information related to this system is made available 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 regulatory background, how the IMO DCS works, what information is available in GISIS, and why this module is essential for administrations, shipowners, researchers, educators, and maritime professionals worldwide.
Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Energy and Climate Governance
What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?
The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.
The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module is a cornerstone of IMO’s data-driven approach to decarbonisation.
Legal Framework: MARPOL Annex VI and the IMO DCS
MARPOL Annex VI Overview
MARPOL Annex VI regulates air pollution from ships. In addition to sulphur and NOₓ limits, it provides the legal basis for monitoring and reporting fuel consumption as a proxy for greenhouse gas emissions.
Introduction of the IMO Data Collection System (DCS)
The IMO DCS entered into force in 2018 and requires certain ships to:
-
Monitor fuel oil consumption
-
Collect operational data
-
Report this data annually to their flag State
The system applies to ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages.
Why the IMO Introduced Fuel Oil Consumption Reporting
From Assumptions to Real Data
Before the DCS:
-
Emissions were estimated using models and assumptions
-
Real operational data was limited
-
Policy debates lacked a solid evidence base
The DCS provides real-world data on fuel use across the global fleet.
Supporting Fair and Effective Climate Policy
Fuel consumption data allows the IMO to:
-
Understand differences between ship types
-
Identify efficiency trends
-
Design measures that are technically realistic and economically fair
What Data Is Collected Under the IMO DCS?
Core Data Elements
Under the DCS, ships must collect and report:
-
Fuel oil consumption by fuel type
-
Distance travelled
-
Hours underway
Fuel types include:
-
Heavy fuel oil (HFO)
-
Marine gas oil (MGO)
-
LNG and other alternative fuels
Methods of Fuel Measurement
Ships may use different approved methods, such as:
-
Bunker delivery notes
-
Fuel tank monitoring
-
Flow meters
The chosen method must be documented and verified.
Purpose of the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Module in GISIS
Core Objectives
The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module in GISIS aims to:
-
Support transparency of fuel consumption reporting
-
Provide aggregated information for policy analysis
-
Assist IMO in monitoring fleet energy performance
-
Support development of GHG reduction measures
It is a policy and governance tool, not a commercial performance database.
What Information Is Available in the GISIS Fuel Consumption Module?
Types of Information Provided
Depending on IMO publication scope, the module may include:
-
Aggregated fuel consumption statistics
-
High-level trends by ship type or size
-
Explanatory information on the DCS framework
-
Links to relevant IMO climate measures
Individual ship-level fuel data is not publicly disclosed.
Who Submits Fuel Oil Consumption Data?
Role of Shipowners and Operators
Shipowners are responsible for:
-
Monitoring fuel consumption onboard
-
Collecting accurate operational data
-
Submitting annual reports
Role of Flag States
Flag States:
-
Verify submitted data
-
Issue Statements of Compliance
-
Transmit data to the IMO
Role of the IMO
The IMO:
-
Aggregates verified data from all States
-
Ensures confidentiality
-
Uses the data for regulatory impact assessment
GISIS is the digital interface supporting this process.
How to Access the Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Module in GISIS
Step 1: Access the GISIS Platform
Users access GISIS via the IMO website.
Step 2: Select “Ship Fuel Oil Consumption”
From the list of GISIS modules, users select Ship Fuel Oil Consumption.
Step 3: Review Available Information
Users can:
-
Understand the DCS framework
-
Explore aggregated fuel-use trends
-
Support education and research
Relationship with GHG Emissions and Carbon Intensity
Fuel Consumption as the Basis for CO₂ Emissions
Fuel oil consumption data is converted into:
-
CO₂ emission estimates
-
Carbon intensity indicators
This data underpins:
-
Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
-
IMO short-, mid-, and long-term climate measures
Complementarity with the GHG Emissions Module
-
Ship Fuel Oil Consumption focuses on raw operational data
-
GHG Emissions from Ships focuses on aggregated emissions analysis
Together, they form a complete climate data chain.
Importance for Shipowners and Operators
Operational Efficiency
Fuel data helps operators:
-
Identify inefficiencies
-
Improve voyage planning
-
Reduce costs
Regulatory Compliance
Accurate reporting:
-
Reduces enforcement risk
-
Supports compliance with MARPOL Annex VI
-
Builds credibility with regulators
Importance for Policymakers and Researchers
Evidence-Based Regulation
Fuel consumption data allows:
-
Testing of regulatory assumptions
-
Assessment of real-world impacts
-
Adjustment of measures over time
Supporting Academic Research
Researchers use aggregated data to:
-
Model decarbonisation pathways
-
Study fleet performance
-
Support peer-reviewed analysis
Relationship with Other GISIS Modules
The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module complements:
-
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships – climate analysis
-
Fuel Oil Quality – fuel compliance context
-
Pollution Prevention Equipment – efficiency technologies
-
Survey and Certification – statutory verification
-
Port State Control – enforcement
Together, these modules support measurement, compliance, and improvement.
Common Misunderstandings About the IMO DCS
The DCS Is Not a Public Ranking System
The system does not:
-
Rank individual ships or companies
-
Disclose commercial fuel data
The DCS Is About Data, Not Immediate Emission Limits
The DCS supports policy development, not instant penalties.
Best Practices for Using the GISIS Fuel Consumption Module
-
Use it for trend analysis, not ship benchmarking
-
Combine it with IMO studies and reports
-
Integrate DCS understanding into maritime education
-
Link fuel data with energy-efficiency training
Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia
For maritime education, this module provides:
-
Real-world context for energy management
-
Understanding of data-driven climate policy
-
Insight into regulatory reporting systems
It is especially useful in courses on:
-
Maritime environmental management
-
Marine engineering
-
Energy efficiency
-
Maritime policy and regulation
Fuel Consumption Data and the Future of Shipping
Supporting Decarbonisation
As shipping moves toward:
-
Alternative fuels
-
Energy-saving technologies
-
Market-based measures
Fuel consumption data will remain a central reference point.
Increasing Digital Integration
Future developments may include:
-
More automated data collection
-
Improved data accuracy
-
Integration with digital twins and smart ships
GISIS provides a stable foundation for this evolution.
Conclusion: Measuring Fuel Use to Enable Climate Action
The Ship Fuel Oil Consumption option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System represents a critical shift in maritime regulation—from assumption-based policymaking to evidence-based governance.
By collecting, verifying, and aggregating real operational fuel data through the IMO DCS, this module enables the IMO and its Member States to understand how ships actually operate, evaluate regulatory effectiveness, and design realistic pathways toward decarbonisation.
For administrations, shipowners, educators, researchers, and students, the GISIS Ship Fuel Oil Consumption module offers a trusted and authoritative gateway to one of the most important datasets shaping the future of global shipping.
In an industry facing unprecedented environmental expectations, what gets measured gets managed—and GISIS ensures that fuel consumption is measured consistently, transparently, and globally.