The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released new guidelines aimed at assisting companies in developing and enhancing Safety Management Systems (SMS) for vessels using methanol as fuel. As the maritime sector intensifies its decarbonization efforts, methanol is gaining traction as a viable low-carbon alternative due to its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and its liquid state at ambient temperatures.
However, methanol presents unique safety challenges due to its toxicity, low flashpoint, and the invisibility of its vapor and flames. The guidelines, created in collaboration with industry experts and aligned with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, offer methanol-specific recommendations for all SMS functional areas. They emphasize risk-based decision-making, continuous improvement, and learning from incidents involving methanol.
The report also underscores the need for adaptable SMS frameworks that can accommodate both conventional fuels and methanol during the transition phase. Human factors play a crucial role in safe operations, prompting the guidelines to recommend that companies assess training and competency based on individual responsibilities. For more details, the report is available for download from the MTF website.
