MTF advises on how to close safety gaps in managing ammonia-fuelled vessels
The Maritime Technologies Forum’s (MTF) guidelines provide a structured approach to safety management systems (SMS), ensuring safer operations.
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With the maritime industry exploring alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions, ammonia has emerged as a promising solution. However, its use presents unique safety challenges due to its toxicity, corrosiveness, and combustion properties.
Addressing the Risks of Ammonia
Unlike conventional marine fuels, ammonia introduces unique operational risks that must be carefully managed. Toxicity is a major concern, as exposure to ammonia vapours can cause severe respiratory issues and even fatalities in high concentrations. Additionally, corrosiveness poses challenges since ammonia reacts with certain metals, necessitating specialized materials for fuel tanks and piping.
Another critical issue is combustion stability, as ammonia’s high ignition temperature requires the use of pilot fuels to ensure stable combustion. To mitigate these dangers, the MTF emphasises thorough risk assessments, emergency planning, and continuous monitoring.
Strengthening SMS
To address ammonia’s specific hazards, the guidelines recommend upgrading SMS. Companies should develop new procedures for ammonia storage, handling, and spill containment, ensuring compliance with international safety frameworks such as the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) and IMO guidelines.
The ISM Code is an international standard for ensuring the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention through effective safety management systems.
Regular updates to risk assessments, based on lessons from pilot projects, will be essential. MTF also highlights the importance of continuous learning from accidents and non-conformities to refine safety measures over time.
Enhancing Crew Training and Preparedness
Given ammonia’s novel use as a marine fuel, specialized training programs are crucial. MTF suggests comprehensive crew training on ammonia safety, leak detection, and emergency response. Simulation-based drills can help prepare crew members for real-world ammonia-related incidents, ensuring they respond effectively. Additionally, clear communication channels between crew and shore-based management will be necessary to report hazards. To maintain safety compliance, a “person with immediate responsibility” should oversee fuel-related operations onboard.
Implementing Safe Mixed-Fuel Operations
Since early ammonia-fuelled vessels will likely operate with dual-fuel systems, SMS must include procedures for safe fuel switching between ammonia and conventional fuels. Proper training on dual-fuel engine management is also essential to prevent operational failures and ensure seamless transitions between fuel types.
Emergency Response and Hazard Mitigation
MTF underscores the need for robust emergency preparedness to handle potential incidents such as ammonia leaks, fires, and accidental releases. Containment measures should be in place to prevent ammonia spills from harming the crew or the environment. Deploying emergency shutdown systems (ESDS) can enable a swift response to fuel leaks, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, toxicity-exclusion zones should be established onboard to protect personnel from dangerous exposure. By implementing these safety measures, the maritime industry can manage ammonia’s risks while advancing toward cleaner fuel alternatives.
The Path Forward
The adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel is in its early stages, and operational experience remains limited. MTF recommends establishing a centralized industry database to share insights from ammonia pilot projects, incident reports, and risk mitigation strategies.
By integrating ammonia-specific safety measures into SMS, companies can proactively close safety gaps and ensure that ammonia-fuelled shipping becomes a viable and secure alternative in the maritime industry.
By Tuhin Roy
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