Lloyd’s Register (LR), EXMAR, and the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) for Mobility and Transport have collaborated to create interim guidelines for the safe use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers. This initiative began over two years ago when the FPS, supported by LR and EXMAR, successfully amended the IGC Code, which previously restricted the use of ammonia cargo as fuel.
The stakeholders provided an initial draft of the guidelines to the IMO Correspondence Group, ensuring broad consensus through collaboration with Member States. The finalized guidelines were completed during the IMO’s Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 11) and are set for formal approval at MSC 111 in May 2026.
Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a viable zero-carbon fuel option. The new framework addresses safety concerns while offering flexibility, enabling shipowners to pursue ammonia-fueled vessel designs within a recognized regulatory framework. This development marks a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable fuel alternatives.
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