- MSC Approves Safety Guidelines for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels.
- BIMCO Contributes to the Development of Ammonia Safety Guidelines.
- New Interim Guidelines Aim to Ensure Safe Ammonia Use in Shipping.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has released MSC.1/Circ.1687, the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Ammonia as Fuel, marking increasing awareness of the potential of ammonia as a marine fuel to facilitate decarbonisation. The guidelines provide a structured, risk-based framework for ensuring the safe use of ammonia as a fuel, reports Bimco.
Development and Approval of the Guidelines
The interim guidelines were approved by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 109th session in December 2024. The guidelines were drafted and completed by the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) at its 10th session in September 2024. BIMCO has been actively involved in every stage of this work and helped draft these guidelines and the subsequent mandatory provisions.
High-Level, Goal-Based Safety Framework
The interim guidelines present a function- and goal-oriented safety model covering ship design, equipment, operations, bunkering, toxicity reduction, and crew protection. Although non-binding, the guidelines are closely reflective of the IGF Code and SOLAS provisions, providing a single point of reference as ammonia-fuelled projects come into being. The guidelines seek to make ammonia-fueled systems equivalent to traditional oil-fueled equipment in terms of safety and reliability, taking into account the unique hazards of ammonia, including high toxicity, explosive atmospheres, and material compatibility issues.
Call for Early Uptake and Refinement
The guidelines promote early adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel but recognize that refinements will be needed as experience with operations increases, especially in such areas as toxicity control and emergency systems.
Connected Regulatory Developments
The IMO is progressing work across several areas concurrently with these interim guidelines:
- SOLAS Chapter II-1 Amendments: These amendments were adopted at MSC 109 to include gaseous fuels, including ammonia, in the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) explicitly.
- Update to IGC Code: The International Code of Construction and Equipment for Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) has been updated to permit ammonia-fueled operations on carriers for ammonia.
- Guidelines for Seafarer Training: The 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) concluded generic interim guidelines for training seafarers operating ships with alternative fuels and new technology. The guidelines have both foundational and advanced training requirements, competencies, and routine emergency drills.
Approval is expected at MSC 110 in June 2025. Additionally, the HTW 11 initiated the development of fuel-specific training guidelines, with ammonia training being prioritised.
BIMCO’s Engagement in Ammonia Safety and Crew Training
BIMCO has been an active participant in the IMO’s activities on ammonia safety and seafarer training. In addition to its involvement in IMO projects, BIMCO is involved in industry-led projects to facilitate the safe uptake of alternative fuels. The organization will remain involved in regulatory development and joint efforts and will inform its members as new guidance and regulations become available in this fast-changing field.
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Source: BIMCO
