Maritime Technologies Forum Announces New Report for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships
New Guidelines for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships Released
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has unveiled a comprehensive report aimed at enhancing safety management systems (SMS) for ammonia-fuelled vessels. As the maritime industry shifts towards low and zero-carbon fuels, ammonia has emerged as a leading candidate. However, its use introduces significant risks, including toxicity and corrosiveness. The MTF’s guidelines are designed to address these challenges and ensure safe operations in this evolving landscape.
Key Recommendations for Safety Management Systems
The MTF’s report outlines essential guidelines for developing and implementing SMS tailored for ammonia as a marine fuel. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to utilize these recommendations to either create new systems or bolster existing ones. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating these guidelines with other current and forthcoming regulations to promote safe practices in ammonia fuel application.
One of the report’s critical observations is the limited operational experience with ammonia compared to traditional fossil fuels. This lack of data poses challenges in assessing the environmental and operational risks associated with ammonia usage. To mitigate this, the MTF suggests establishing a centralized database to facilitate the sharing of insights and lessons learned from ammonia pilot projects and incident reports. This collaborative approach aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the industry.
Furthermore, the report stresses the necessity of structured risk management within SMS. Companies are urged to proactively identify areas for improvement by analyzing non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences linked to ammonia fuel. This proactive stance is vital for fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement in maritime operations.
Training and Human Factors in Ammonia Operations
As the industry transitions to ammonia-fuelled operations, the report highlights the importance of comprehensive training and familiarization programs. Given the anticipated mixed fuel operations—where both fossil fuels and ammonia will be used—safe procedures for fuel changeovers and robust dual-fuel engine training are essential. The MTF emphasizes that the required competency levels should be clearly defined based on specific roles and responsibilities.
The report also addresses the human factors associated with ammonia-related risks. It advocates for the implementation of appropriate processes and procedures to enhance the overall SMS, ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by ammonia as a fuel source.
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, remarked on the report’s significance, stating that it reflects a commitment to advancing maritime innovation and sustainability while maintaining stringent safety standards. Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to the development of these guidelines, which aim to facilitate the safe integration of ammonia fuel in the maritime sector.
For further details, the full report can be accessed through the MTF’s official channels.
