Maritime Technologies Forum Releases Safety Management Guidelines for Methanol-Fuelled Ships

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to help shipowners and operators develop and strengthen Safety Management Systems (SMS) for vessels using methanol as a marine fuel, addressing the operational and safety challenges associated with the industry’s growing adoption of alternative fuels.

The guidance has been developed by MTF members and industry stakeholders with expertise in methanol fuel technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, providing practical recommendations for integrating methanol-specific safety procedures into ship operations.

Guidance Supports Safe Adoption of Methanol Fuel

As the shipping industry works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, methanol has emerged as one of the most widely adopted alternative marine fuels due to its liquid state under ambient conditions, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and expanding global availability.

However, the forum noted that methanol also presents unique operational risks, including toxicity, a low flashpoint, and nearly invisible flames and vapours, requiring additional safety procedures and risk management measures.

The new guidelines provide recommendations across all functional areas of a vessel’s Safety Management System, helping companies address the specific hazards associated with methanol-fuelled operations.

Risk-Based Approach for Emerging Fuel

Recognising that methanol remains in the early stages of commercial adoption, the guidance encourages a risk-based approach to safety management, supported by continuous improvement and organisational learning.

The report recommends that companies regularly review hazardous incidents, near misses and accidents involving methanol to strengthen operational procedures and improve safety performance.

It also highlights the importance of developing Safety Management Systems capable of supporting mixed-fuel operations, where conventional marine fuels and methanol may both be carried and used onboard during the industry’s fuel transition.

Training and Human Factors

The guidance identifies human factors as a critical component of safe methanol operations.

Companies are encouraged to assess crew competency, training requirements, familiarisation programmes and resource needs based on individual onboard responsibilities to ensure personnel are adequately prepared for methanol handling and emergency response.

Industry Calls for Practical Safety Framework

Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, said:

“While IMO regulatory discussions continue, many ship owners and operators are already moving ahead with alternative fuel retrofits and newbuilds. For those choosing methanol, these guidelines provide practical recommendations to ensure safety management systems appropriately reflect its characteristics as a fuel.”

Capt. M. Segar, Chief Marine Officer and Senior Advisor at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, added:

“We appreciate the collective efforts of industry and MTF members to bring together practical experience and regulatory perspectives in support of the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. It serves as a practical reference for companies developing or strengthening their Safety Management Systems for ships using methanol as fuel.”