Preparing for the IMO’s Global Fuel Intensity (GFI) pricing system

In 2027, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will introduce a new regulatory measure designed to accelerate decarbonisation across global shipping: the Global Fuel Intensity (GFI) pricing system. 

Much like the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, this regulation will place a cost on carbon emissions. Unlike regional initiatives, GFI applies on a truly global scale. Its introduction will reshape fuel economics, vessel operations, and long-term chartering strategies. 

What is the IMO GFI pricing system? 

The GFI is a forthcoming market-based measure that puts a price on the greenhouse gas intensity of marine fuels. This framework includes a two-tiered pricing system designed to progressively incentivise the use of cleaner fuels. 

In practice, this means that ship operators will pay levies linked directly to the emissions profile of the fuels they consume. Traditional fossil fuels such as HFO or MGO will incur higher costs, while low- and zero-carbon alternatives will become increasingly competitive. 

By internalising the cost of emissions, GFI aims to create a global structure that drives investment in cleaner fuels, technical and operational efficiency measures, and more sustainable trading practices. 

When will it come into effect? 

The IMO has confirmed that GFI pricing will take effect from 2027, with compliance baselines expected to be assessed against 2028 performance data. That gives operators less than two years to adapt operational, financial, and compliance strategies that align with the new system. 

Why this matters for the industry 

For shipowners, charterers, and traders, GFI pricing represents both a risk and an opportunity: 

• Cost implications: Operators will need to factor in new costs when planning voyages, negotiating contracts, and evaluating fuel strategies. 

• Commercial positioning: Demonstrating proactive compliance and a credible decarbonisation pathway will become increasingly important in building trust with counterparties. 

• Strategic planning: The shift from regional to global carbon pricing means long-term competitiveness will hinge on fuel efficiency, emissions transparency, and flexible compliance management. 

How Sea is helping clients prepare 

At Sea, we recognise that staying ahead of regulatory change requires more than just reporting – it requires foresight. That’s why we’ve introduced a dedicated set of updates within our Carbon Accounting solution to support clients as they prepare for GFI pricing: 

• IMO GFI pricing page – Simulate levy costs on historical voyages and forecast emissions-related expenses with precision, using actual fuel, routing, and emissions data. 

• Global fuel price calculator – Evaluate GHG-adjusted costs for any fuel type, from HFO and MGO to methanol, ammonia, and other emerging alternatives. 

• Unified compliance view – AccessEU ETS, FuelEU, and IMO GFI data together in one place, giving you a consolidated perspective on all emissions obligations. 

Together, this allows teams to: 

• Future-proof for 2027 by stress-testing budgets and compliance strategies 

• Make data-driven fuel and voyage planning decisions 

• Model custom fuel cost scenarios for both compliance and profitability 

• Strengthen ESG reporting and disclosures 

• Demonstrate proactive readiness to customers and partners 

Navigating the path to 2027 

The introduction of GFI pricing marks a significant turning point for shipping. With clear costs now attached to fuel selection, emissions management becomes not just a compliance task but a critical lever of competitiveness. 

Sea’s Carbon solution equips charterers, owners, and traders with the insight they need to prepare for this shift – ensuring strategies are built on accurate data, rigorous modelling, and a global view of regulatory exposure. This is how we help clients turn regulatory pressure into competitive advantage. To learn more about