New safety guidelines for ammonia as fuel on gas carriers have been approved by the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111). This development paves the way for the commercial use of ammonia-fueled vessels.
The guidelines, created through collaboration between Lloyd’s Register, the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport, and gas shipping operator EXMAR, offer a practical framework for managing safety risks associated with ammonia. They draw on operational experience and regulatory insights to ensure safe handling of ammonia on board.
The Directorate-General Shipping of FPS Mobility led the drafting of these guidelines, leveraging expertise from EXMAR and Lloyd’s Register in mid-sized gas carrier shipbuilding. This approach ensures that the regulatory framework aligns with real-world practices, fostering innovation while maintaining essential safety measures.
The approval of these guidelines is expected to alleviate uncertainties for shipowners and designers evaluating ammonia as a future fuel option, especially as the first ammonia-designed vessels near their entry into service.
