The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is steering the global shipping industry toward decarbonization. Among its latest initiatives is the Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) Framework, a lifecycle-based approach to regulate the carbon intensity of marine fuels.
VoyageX AI help shipping companies stay ahead of these evolving regulations through smart, integrated software. In this post, we’ll explore what the IMO GFI framework is and how it can be tracked using a modern digital solution.
What Is the IMO GFI Framework?
The IMO GFI Framework sets Well-to-Wake greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity targets for marine fuels. Instead of only measuring CO₂ from ship exhaust (Tank-to-Wake), it includes the entire fuel lifecycle — from production to combustion.
| Metric | gCO₂e/MJ (grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy) |
|---|---|
| Applies To | All marine fuels — fossil, biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia |
| Start Year | 2027 |
| Scope | Fuel production, transport, bunkering, and onboard use |
| Goal | Push industry toward lower-carbon fuels |
How Software Can Help
Compliance isn’t just about reporting — it’s about monitoring, calculating, and acting. Here’s how we break it down at VoyageX AI:
1. Fuel Log Management
We capture every bunkering event:
- Fuel type
- Quantity (tonnes)
- Date and location
- Supplier certificate
- Optional GHG-certified pathway document
2. Automatic GHG Intensity Calculation
Using IMO’s default emission factors or supplier-certified values, the system calculates:
- Total energy (MJ) from fuel mass
- GHG intensity per MJ
- Total lifecycle emissions
Example: If 100 tonnes of MGO are bunkered, our engine multiplies the energy content (e.g., 43 MJ/kg) with the emission factor (e.g., 91 gCO₂e/MJ) to derive actual impact.
3. Real-Time Compliance Monitoring
Each vessel’s average intensity is compared to the IMO limit for the year. If a threshold is breached:
- Alerts are sent
- Alternatives are suggested (e.g., cleaner fuels for next voyage)
4. Certified Reporting
We generate GFI-compliant reports that can be submitted to class societies, flag states, and auditors — covering:
- Fuel usage
- Emission factors
- Pathway documentation
- Compliance status
Developer View: Behind the Scenes
Here’s how we structure it technically:
Data Models
fuel_logs: Records bunkering with fuel type, qty, datefuel_types: Stores default energy & emission factorsfuel_pathways: Links to certified emission valuesgfi_thresholds: Stores IMO limits per year
Logic Flow
Fuel Log → Energy Calculation → Emission Factor Lookup → Intensity Computation → Threshold Check → Report
Integration Points
- Onboard sensors / ELDs
- Supplier certificate APIs
- Voyage and route data for optimization
VoyageX AI Advantage
We don’t just help you stay compliant — we help you optimize:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Real-time tracking | Know your emission footprint daily |
| Pathway intelligence | Choose fuels with certified low GHG intensity |
| Alert system | Fix issues before they become penalties |
| Audit-ready reports | Simplify compliance with class & flag bodies |
| AI Recommendations | Plan cleaner voyages with predictive suggestions |
Final Thoughts
The GFI Framework is a turning point for maritime sustainability. As the industry transitions, software will be the bridge between regulation and real-world action. With VoyageX AI, you’re not just monitoring — you’re optimizing, complying, and leading the way.
Let’s schedule a quick demo — Visit https://voyagex.ai/
