Advancements in alternative fuels: Emphasising human safety and preparedness

Published: 02 October 2024

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Safety Considerations 

The use of alternative fuels onboard ships poses various safety hazards that need to be addressed and managed, either related to their physical and chemical properties, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, and compatibility, or to their operational and regulatory aspects, such as storage, handling and bunkering.

Moreover, industry studies have revealed some safety gaps which need to be filled. These are related to lack of adequate data, knowledge, and experience on the behaviour and performance of fuels, as well as the impact and interaction of fuels with ship systems, crew, cargo, and the environment. Other gaps are related to lack of guidance, standards, and regulations on the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of fuel systems, as well as safety management and training of crew and stakeholders.   

Therefore, safety considerations that need to be taken into account and implemented are related to the: 

• Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of fuel systems
• Safety management and training of crew and other stakeholders 
• Risk assessment and mitigation of potential hazards and consequences of different fuels
• Emergency preparedness and response of the ship and the shore.   

The existing, international legal framework does not address these risks and gaps sufficiently, but guidelines are underway. Currently, the IMO as well as industry stakeholders, through various initiatives and working groups, are working on addressing identified issues and considerations to assist a safe decarbonisation of the shipping industry.   

Ongoing IMO work 

At the IMO level, the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) continues its work on the development of safety provisions for ships using alternative fuels.  

The CCC’s 10th session, held from 16 to 20 September 2024, taking into consideration the urgency of the matter, finalised “high-level goal-based” interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel, expected to be approved at Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 109 in December 2024. It has been recognised, though, that further development to the Guidelines will be required, especially technical details regarding the toxicity of ammonia, once experience in their use has been gained.  

Finalisation of the interim guidelines for the safety of ships using hydrogen as fuel is expected at CCC 11 in 2025, while the revision of the current interim guidelines for safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel with a view to developing mandatory instruments by inclusion into the IGF Code is not expected earlier than CCC 13 in 2027. 

Industry Collaboration 

Although IMO guidelines and regulations are underway, intending to cover several hazards and gaps, the maritime industry is not yet ready for safe adoption at scale of alternative fuels. The main area of attention and the area with plenty of room for action from the side of companies and organisations is that of the human element. For the industry to be able to implement the new fuels, all industry stakeholders should collaborate to ensure that all involved personnel, from the seafarer to the terminal worker and the office employee, have the necessary qualifications but also culture to safely adopt the alternative fuels. 

Towards this direction, apart from our involvement with the IMO works, BIMCO has been working with several industry groups investigating our course of actions in order to enhance or assist the readiness of people in the industry to safely implement the new fuels. 

We have been working with a group of flag states and classification societies in the Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) to develop guidance for safe implementation of alternative fuels on ships. MTF identified gaps within the implementation of the ISM Code in relation to the application of alternative fuels onboard ships and, consequently, published guidelines on developing and implementing SMS fit for alternative fuels. More information may be found in our article published 5 June 2024: Guidelines published on developing and implementing SMS fit for altern... (bimco.org). BIMCO is co-sponsoring a submission to the MSC 109, containing the “Guidelines to Develop and Implement a Safety Management System for Alternative Fuels on Board Ships”. 

Under the further work of the MTF group, the impact of alternative fuels on seafarers' working and living conditions will be considered, as well as relevant training aspects related to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention (STCW), such as the development of regulatory requirements (model courses) and providing incentives for commercial training providers. 

BIMCO is also participating in a Together in Safety project, which is focusing on the readiness of people in the industry to implement the new fuels.  

Currently, the availability of alternative fuels is limited compared to conventional marine fuels. However, it is vital that the industry and its people get prepared in advance by ensuring that the human element and safety awareness are prioritised, and a strong safety culture built to ensure safe handling of the new fuels and minimise the probability or severity of accidents. 

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