Belgian Maritime Partnership Delivers Hands‑On Safety Input For IMO Ammonia Fuel Guidelines

The Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport, in collaboration with EXMAR and Lloyd’s Register, is actively shaping the future of maritime decarbonization at the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee. By leveraging real-world operational data from ammonia-fueled vessel projects, this partnership provides critical technical insights for the development of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels, known as the IGF Code, ensuring that ammonia adoption meets the highest safety standards.

This initiative is vital for aligning emerging propulsion technologies with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), specifically Chapter II-1, which governs construction and machinery installations. As the industry transitions toward zero-emission fuels, compliance departments must navigate the complex integration of the IGF Code with existing MARPOL Annex VI requirements regarding air pollution. These collaborative efforts ensure that new regulatory frameworks remain practical for shipowners while maintaining rigorous safety protocols for onboard systems, bunkering procedures, and emergency response planning during the global energy transition.

Chief engineers and second engineers will be the primary ranks impacted by these evolving ammonia safety guidelines. These officers must prepare for advanced training modules concerning the toxicity, corrosive nature, and specific handling requirements of ammonia as a fuel source. Understanding the new containment, ventilation, and leak detection systems mandated by these IMO guidelines will be essential for maintaining vessel compliance and ensuring the safety of the engine room crew during future bunkering and transit operations.