The UK Chamber of Shipping has released a new report outlining the safety risks associated with alternative marine fuels, according to Ship & Bunker.
Titled Alternative Fuels: Building the Safety Evidence Base, the report was published on Monday and offers preliminary risk assessments for biofuels, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and battery systems, Ship & Bunker reports. The findings were developed through the Chamber’s Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group, which included more than 200 participants from over 50 organisations, according to the outlet.
Fuel-Specific Risks Identified
According to Ship & Bunker, the report identifies distinct hazards for each fuel type under review:
- Biofuels: Risks include fuel contamination, material incompatibility, and issues linked to water ingress and bacterial growth.
- Methanol: Concerns center on loss of containment, toxic exposure, non-visible flames, and complications from simultaneous bunkering and cargo operations.
- Ammonia: Toxicity makes loss of containment a primary concern, particularly during bunkering operations. The report also stresses that ports and nearby vessels must be prepared to respond to ammonia-related emergencies, Ship & Bunker notes.
- Hydrogen: Storage, explosion, and material compatibility are flagged as key risk areas.
- Battery systems: Thermal runaway and fire dominate the risk profile, according to the report.
The Chamber stated that stronger design and process safety frameworks will be necessary as these alternative fuels move toward wider commercial deployment, Ship & Bunker reports.
Does This Matter to You?
This report is relevant to those involved in bunkering operations, vessel design, port infrastructure planning, and fuel handling procedures as the shipping industry transitions toward alternative fuels. The identification of specific risks—such as ammonia toxicity during bunkering or methanol’s non-visible flame hazard—provides an early evidence base that could inform future safety protocols and emergency response planning at ports and aboard vessels.
As alternative fuels see increased commercial uptake, understanding these risk profiles may become increasingly important for parties handling fuel transfers, storage, and cargo operations involving these substances. The source material does not specify a timeline for regulatory or operational changes resulting from this report.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
