Switching safely to low-GHG fuels and technologies

Switching safely to low-GHG fuels and technologies

Summary

The maritime sector is shifting towards lower-GHG fuels (LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and biofuels) and onboard carbon-capture systems. This article outlines the safety, design and operational measures needed to manage the distinct risks of each fuel type and to enable future fuel flexibility. Early risk assessment and design-for-conversion are highlighted as essential to avoid costly retrofits and to keep crew and ship operations safe.

Key safety considerations include physical segregation of fuel systems from accommodation, appropriate material selection to avoid embrittlement or corrosion, detection and monitoring for leaks and fires, and thorough crew training and emergency preparedness. Guidance and classification paths (eg. IGF-code principles, IMO ADA process, DNV guidelines and class notations) are recommended until full statutory frameworks are finalised.

Key Points

1. Orderbooks now include more LNG and methanol vessels, with ammonia emerging — fossil-derived LNG/methanol seen as transitional fuels en route to low/zero‑GHG options.
2. Embed future fuel flexibility at newbuild/design stage: allow space, structural arrangements and material choices to reduce later retrofit complexity and cost.
3. Perform early, comprehensive risk assessments (HAZID, HAZOP, FMEA, QRA, GDA, ERA) to inform layout and safety measures.
4. Hydrogen and ammonia pose unique hazards: hydrogen is highly flammable and leaks easily; liquefied hydrogen needs ultra‑low temperature tanks; ammonia is toxic, corrosive and can embrittle structures.
5. Methanol is operationally easier (no cryogenics), allowing simpler switches to green/blue variants with limited modification, but its low flashpoint still demands robust fire safety and procedures.
6. Biofuels require attention to fuel stability, storage shelf life and potential differences in purity — handling practices and crew training must be adapted.
7. Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) brings CO2 as a danger (asphyxiation, toxicity) plus solvent/refrigerant risks; careful ventilation, monitoring, maintenance and crew training are essential.
8. Interim guidance follows IGF-code safety principles; the IMO ADA process and national flag administrations remain central to approving alternative designs until full regulations arrive.

Context and Relevance

The piece is timely as the IMO targets net‑zero GHGs by 2050 and shipowners rush to comply with near‑term carbon intensity rules. For ship designers, operators, class societies and regulators, the article summarises the practical safety implications of fuel choices and the regulatory routes to approval. It underlines a key industry trend: decarbonisation is not just about changing fuel chemistry but rethinking design, operations and crew competence.

Why should I read this?

Because if you work with ships — whether you own, design, class or sail them — this gives you the safety checklist you actually need. It flags where costs, regulations and real risks collide, and why planning now saves headaches (and money) later. Short version: don’t wait until you have to rip things out and start again.

Author style

Punchy: this is a practical safety brief, not academic theory. If you’re responsible for newbuilds, conversions or crew training, treat this as an urgent heads‑up — the technical and regulatory choices you make now will determine how easily you can move to truly low‑GHG fuels.

Source

Source: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/switching-safely-to-low-ghg-fuels-and-technologies/