IMO to develop ammonia bunker fuel guidelines

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set out to develop “non-mandatory” guidelines to ensure safe use of ammonia as a bunker fuel.

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The decision was taken at the 105th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which met from 20 to 29 April.

The Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) is expected to complete the draft for guidelines by 2023 and send it to MSC for approval.

The proposal garnered support, but some members suggested that the new guidelines should be added to the “Amendments to the IGF Code and development of guidelines for low-flashpoint fuels” to speed up the process.

Ammonia has been put forward as a future bunker fuel that can help rein in carbon emissions from shipping. But some concerns remain around safe handling and usage of the fuel, including risks of explosion, corrosion and its toxic effects on nearby personnel and marine life, says IBIA.