The UK Chamber of Shipping has published a new report examining the safety considerations associated with alternative marine fuels as the sector works towards net zero.
Titled “Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base,” the report brings together expertise from across the shipping industry, ports, fuel suppliers, academia and regulators to identify key risks and priorities for the safe adoption of emerging fuel technologies.
Assessing alternative fuel pathways
Developed by the Chamber’s Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group (SAFWG), the publication includes high-level risk assessments. It covers five alternative fuel pathways, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), biofuels, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia.
The report identifies the need for robust design standards and process safety frameworks to support the commercial deployment of alternative fuels across the maritime sector.
Researchers identified several common themes across all fuel types, including the importance of material compatibility, emergency response planning, crew training and competence, and the need for clearer regulatory frameworks.
The report also highlights areas where further research is required. It provides a foundation for future operational learning, regulatory development and industry collaboration.
Industry collaboration
The Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group was established by the UK Chamber of Shipping to improve understanding of the safety implications associated with zero and near-zero emission fuels.
The report marks the completion of the group’s first year of work, during which more than 200 participants from over 50 organisations contributed through a series of technical workshops led by Policy Director Francesco Sandrelli, with support from Robert Merrylees and Paul Markides.
The publication forms part of the Chamber’s wider programme to support the maritime sector’s transition to net zero while maintaining high standards of safety and operational performance.
Future work by the SAFWG will focus on identifying regulatory and knowledge gaps, developing project-specific case studies, expanding stakeholder engagement and creating an incident and lessons learned database.
Francesco Sandrelli, Policy Director (Environment) at the UK Chamber of Shipping, said, “Shipping is on a critical pathway to net zero. New fuels and energy sources are moving from pilot projects to commercial reality, but safety, standards and operational readiness must keep pace.
“There is no single fuel that will decarbonise shipping. Different vessel types, trades and operating environments will require different solutions. What is essential is that the transition takes place safely. This publication is an important step towards achieving that goal.”
