IMO releases interim guidelines for ammonia-fuelled ships, focusing on safety, design, and decarbonisation goals.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has issued MSC.1/Circ.1687, titled “Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel.” This significant step underscores ammonia’s potential as a marine fuel, supporting global decarbonisation efforts while addressing the critical need for a structured, risk-based approach to its safe use.

The non-mandatory guidelines provide a goal- and function-based safety framework, covering ship design, equipment, operations, bunkering, toxicity mitigation, and crew protection. These align with the IGF Code and SOLAS principles, offering a consistent reference for administrations and industry stakeholders as ammonia-fuelled projects gain momentum.

The guidelines emphasise ensuring ammonia-fuelled systems maintain safety and reliability comparable to conventional oil-fuelled systems. They address ammonia’s specific hazards, such as high toxicity, explosive atmosphere risks, and material compatibility challenges.

Encouraging early adoption, the guidelines also highlight the need for future refinements based on operational experience, particularly in toxicity controls and emergency systems, as noted in a BIMCO release. This move is a critical milestone in advancing sustainable marine fuel solutions.

Source: Exim News