ISO issues standards for methanol as a marine fuel

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued a new document outlining the requirements for methanol as marine fuel.

The document, which was created in cooperation with ship owners, operators, classification societies, national standards bodies, and several other technical organizations, aims to standardize the use of methanol as a fuel for ships worldwide.

The new standards introduce three categories of marine methanol:

• Marine Methanol Grade A (MMA),
• Marine Methanol Grade B (MMB),
• and Marine Methanol Grade C (MMC).

The specifications apply to methanol derived from all production methods and cover a wide range of uses, including marine diesel engines, fuel cells, and other marine applications. These guidelines also extend to land-based applications similar to those used at sea.

The document provides comprehensive details on the quality of methanol to be used in marine environments, including purity, impurities, appearance, and specific chemical properties. It also references several industry standards, such as those set by the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA), ISO, ASTM, and other technical bodies that govern fuel testing and measurement.

However, the document also highlights significant safety concerns. Methanol, which has a low flash point of approximately 11°C, poses considerable risks if proper safety precautions are not followed. As a result, the document emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, as well as the need for users to establish appropriate safety practices and assess regulatory limitations before use.

While the document does not address all health and safety considerations related to methanol, it points to safety data sheets and other regulatory resources for more detailed information on handling methanol safely.

This new framework for methanol uses in marine fuel systems is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for alternative, more sustainable marine fuels, aligning with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and promote cleaner energy sources across the maritime industry.