Ship Design, Operations & Systems
Onboard fuel storage, engine retrofit and systems integration, replacing bespoke, project-by-project risk assessments with standardised methods, validated models and clear class and flag responsibilities.
Research scope
- ◆Fundamental material data beyond conventional structural codes
- ◆Standardised methods and reference datasets over case-by-case assessment
- ◆Validated CFD and digital twins, backed by macro-scale experiments
- ◆Closing class and flag competency gaps and subsystem integration failures
Library
Reports and guidance relevant to this theme.
ClassNK Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1)
ClassNK published Edition 3.1 of its classification guidelines, incorporating the IMO's newly issued interim hydrogen fuel guidelines and establishing new structural strength requirements for methanol and ethanol fuel tanks. The revision adds hydrogen leak frequency tables and fills gaps in international standards for methanol and ethanol tank design.
Open source ↗Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1)
ClassNK released Edition 3.1 of its alternative fuels guidelines on August 18, 2026, incorporating the finalized IMO Interim Guidelines for Hydrogen as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1701). The revision adds ClassNK proprietary Bayesian leak frequency tables for hydrogen and establishes new standardized structural strength requirements for methanol and ethanol fuel tanks, filling gaps in existing international guidance.
Open source ↗Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1)
ClassNK released Edition 3.1 of its safety guidelines for ships using methanol, ethanol, and hydrogen fuels, incorporating 2026 IMO interim hydrogen guidance and introducing new structural tank strength requirements for methanol/ethanol vessels not yet addressed in IMO standards.
Open source ↗ClassNK Guidelines Revision for Ships Using Methanol, Ethanol and Hydrogen as Marine Fuels
ClassNK updated safety requirements within its guidelines for vessels using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen as marine fuels. The revision reflects expanding operational experience with alternative fuel vessels and evolving understanding of hazard control requirements.
Open source ↗Guidelines for Methanol-Fueled Ships Safety Management Systems
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and strengthening existing SMS for ships using methanol as fuel. Its toxicity, low flashpoint and invisible vapor and flame characteristics introduce new safety challenges for the maritime industry that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures for safe operations.
Open source ↗IGC Code Amendments Enabling Ammonia Cargo as Fuel
On July 1, 2026, amendments to Chapter 16 'Use of Cargo as Fuel' of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) will enter into force. The amendments were adopted in December 2024 by resolution MSC.566(109). New and existing type 2G/2PG ships – gas carriers designed to carry toxic cargoes listed in Chapter 19 of the IGC Code, such as ammonia, butane, ethylene, etc. – may, with the permission of the Administration, use cargo as fuel, provided that the same level of safety is ensured as that required for natural gas (methane) under the IGC Code.
Open source ↗July 2026 Edition of DNV Class Rules and Standards for Ship and Offshore
The July 2026 edition introduces new class notations and significant updates designed to support the maritime industry's ongoing transition towards greater sustainability and innovation. Key changes include gas-fuelled hydrogen rules amended to better fit the safety concept of the MSC Interim guideline, and new class notations for battery-ready and shore power-ready vessels.
Open source ↗New Safety Guidelines For Methanol-Fueled Ships
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at supporting shipowners and operators in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and upgrading existing frameworks to safely manage methanol-fueled vessels. Driven by looming FuelEU Maritime mandates and the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) tightening greenhouse gas reduction targets, low-carbon methanol has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the multi-fuel transition.
Open source ↗ABS Sustainability: Ammonia as a Marine Fuel
Example proposal awaiting admin approval. Approve to publish it into the Resources library.
Open source ↗MSC.1/Circ.1647 — Interim guidelines for the safety of ships using fuel cell power installations
IMO interim safety guidelines for fuel cell power installations on board, addressing installation, control and monitoring, and risk assessment. Competence requirements follow from the technical provisions rather than existing alongside them.
Open source ↗Fuel for Thought: alternative fuel series
In-depth reports on LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and biofuels, covering production, onboard use, safety, infrastructure and cost.
Open source ↗Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor
Tracks technology, investment and community readiness across the fuel supply chain, from natural resources to vessel propulsion.
Open source ↗Events
Conferences and workshops relevant to this theme.
GMC 26: Global Maritime Congress 2026
GMC’26 is jointly organised by the Chamber of Marine Engineers, the Maritime Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University, and the University of Strathclyde. Under the main theme “Transformation in Maritime Industry”, the congress will address key issues shaping the maritime sector, including sustainability in maritime transport, green and smart shipping, marine technologies, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, port and logistics systems, the maritime economy, safety, governance, human factors, and digitalisation. Bringing together representatives from academia, public authorities, and the private sector, GMC 26 aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a common vision for the future of the maritime industry. We look forward to welcoming you to İzmir and to your valuable participation.
📍 İzmir, at Dokuz Eylul University Rectorate, Continuing Education Centre
Safe Decarbonisation Conference 2027
The network's flagship conference bringing partners and stakeholders together.
📍 London, UK