IMO Guidelines for Ammonia Marine Fuel Shaped by Industry Trio | Mariner News
A significant step towards sustainable maritime transport has been achieved as an influential industry trio played a pivotal role in shaping the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines for using ammonia as marine fuel. This crucial development accelerates the adoption of alternative energy sources in shipping, paving the way for a greener future.
Pioneering Collaboration for Safe Ammonia Fuel Use
The collaborative effort involved maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register, gas tanker specialist Exmar, and the Belgian Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport. This consortium led the charge in amending the International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code, which previously restricted ammonia’s use as a propellant. Their joint submission formed the initial draft, subsequently refined by IMO member states, demonstrating effective synergy between industry expertise and regulatory bodies to ensure safe and effective implementation of new marine fuels.
IMO Adoption and Future Maritime Energy
These interim guidelines for ammonia marine fuel were agreed upon at CCC 11 and are slated for formal approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) in May 2026. This landmark decision underscores the maritime sector’s commitment to decarbonization and exploring cleaner propulsion options. The stakeholders emphasize that this collaboration sets a precedent for how regulators and industry can collectively drive progress on alternative fuels, pushing the boundaries of sustainable shipping and supporting the industry’s energy transition.
