MTF's report: The maritime industry is not ready for the safe adoption at scale of alternative fuels yet

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF), on 20 April 2023 published a report entitled "Operational Management to Accelerate Safe Maritime Decarbonisation".

MTF is a group of flag States and classification societies which aims to bridge the gap between technological progress and regulatory process.

This report provides recommendations to industry stakeholders toward safe adoption of alternative fuels onboard ships in line with MTF’s purpose.

Safe operation of alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia requires sound safety management procedures  and trained personnel onboard ships. MTF undertook this study which identifies potential gaps to achieve safe maritime decarbonisation within three existing Conventions / Codes: The International Safety Management (ISM) Code, International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC); and makes suitable recommendations to close these gaps for future safe use of alternative fuels.

The report also highlights the perceived urgency to close these gaps so that the maritime industry can prioritise where they need to channel their limited resources.

Finally, the report also identifies barriers that prevent closing and actors that help closing these gaps for use of alternative fuels towards a safer decarbonisation.

Summary of identified key gaps and recommendations for closing:

MTF’s review demonstrates that the maritime industry is not ready for the safe adoption at scale of alternative fuels yet.

To be able to meet the required decarbonisation targets, all industry stakeholders should collaborate towards safe adoption of alternative fuels including issues detailed in this report.

You can download the full report HERE