DNV issues standard to address ammonia and methanol safety risks

DNV has released a competence standard (ST) for methanol and a recommended practice (RP) for ammonia, to tackle the safety risks and challenges posed by the introduction of new alternative fuels and technologies.

As explained, the DNV-ST-0687 “Competence related to the use of methanol as fuel” published in October, and the DNV-RP-0699 “Competence related to the use of ammonia as fuel,” published in December, apply to shipboard crew on vessels using methanol or ammonia as fuel. They clearly outline the expected competencies for using these fuels onboard, enabling the assessment and verification of an individual’s knowledge and skills to ensure they can operate and maintain systems and equipment safely.

The purpose of these documents is to be used by shipowners for onboard familiarization and competence management, by maritime academies and training institutions to develop curricula and courses and by third parties, as a reference document, for certification or verification of learning programs and competence assessments in examinations.

While new fuels and technologies are key to achieving maritime decarbonization, their adoption necessitates robust safety and competence frameworks. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights platform, the number of vessels ordered with alternative-fuelled capability is growing with 27 ammonia and 322 methanol-fuelled vessels currently on the orderbooks. To ensure safe operations as these vessels enter service, it is essential that shipboard crew has the right knowledge and skills and adhere to updated processes and procedures.